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THE 



Florida Colonist, 



OR, 



. SETTLER'S (iUlDE. 



ANSWERS TO THE QIKSTION' 



"WHERE IX FLORIDA SHALL WE LOCATE!" 



SECOND EDITION, 

ENLARGED AND IMl'ROVEf). 



PREPARED BY J. S. ADAMS. 

Commissioner of Liuuls mid Ininilaration. 

l^eceiiibei-, 1H71. 



Entered acoorcilng to Act of Congress, In the year 1871, by J. S. Adams, In the ofllce of 
the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



JACKSONVILLE: 

FLORIDA UNION .TOD Pia.VnXC ROOMS. 



THE FLORIDA COLONIST, 



7? 

Settler's Guide. " 



oi; ^ 

,x<:5 OF Cc;^ 




ANSWERS TO THE (JOESTION. MVHERE IN FLORIDA SHALL WE LOiXfE!" 



PREPAREn BY .1. S. ADAMS, COMMISSIOXEn OF nfMKUlATIOX. 



PPiEFATORY. 

Moro definite information in ref;anl to the special cliaracteristies and adaptations of dif- 
ferent sections of Florida has been much souo-ht In- the crowds of stran^-ers wlio have visi- 
ted the State within a few j-ears. 

Well knowing- that information derived directlj- from the actual residents of each par- 
ticular count}' would be most desired, as well as intrinsically the most valuable, earnest 
efforts have been made to secure careful reports from individual residents in every part of 
the State. But only partial success has been attained as yet, many counties not having- 
responded at all. 

Still, in response to the uro-eiit demand, it has been deemed best to pul)lish at once what 
is available, in a form convenient for distribution, as soon as possible, with the intention 
of adding such other and further information as maj' be received from time to time. Sev- 
eral articles heretofore published in the newspapers liy the Commissionei-, or under his 
'supervision, are given here as thus published. 

This tract must meet with a very wide circulation, and so largely diffuse a particular 
knowledge of each particular section that is reported. It is, therefore, hoped that all in 
all i)arts of the State, who will assi.st in bringing the mei-its of their own' section to the 
knowledge of those seeking homes in the State, will forward, for use in the future, careful 
and complete descriptions of their locality to the Commissioner as soon as may be. 

The main ])oints in regard to which information is sought areas follows, of each county : 

L(Jcation — Surface — Soil — Climate — Health — Natural Fertilizers — Water Sujtply— Tim- 
ber — Cost of Clearing — Price of Lands — Wages of Labor and Supply — Stajtlc Crops — 
Possible Crops — Fruits — Advantages of Church and School — Special adaptation to jiar- 
licular crops or different occupations and kinds of business — Means of access and distance 
from well-known points on Seaboard and Railroads — The disposition of ])enple towards 
new-comers. 

Information is also desired of all natui-al curiosities, tending to lend special inlerest to 
different localities. 

Information received will be added to and stitclied up with tliis pampldet, and tlius, in 
the end, a very perfect hand-book of Florida will be secured. 

Address communications to J. S. ADAMS, 

Conmiissionei' of Immigration, Jacksonville, Fia. 



IMMIGRATION. 



EY J. S. ADAMS. COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION. 



PREUMIXAUy AKTK'LE. 

Editor Union : — Whatever may lie the valuable indueemenls which Florida holds forth 
to immigration, they must of course be mainly liroui;-ht to general notice through the public 
press, and as the time approaches when an unacclimated imniigi-ation may arrive with the 
least danger to health, it is desirable that these manifold inducements be set forth as fully 
as possible. 

In accordance, there^'ore, with our prexions arrangement, T projiose now soon to furnish 
a series of articles for the Union, \n wliidi more or less in detail, the various characteris- 
tics of the State may be set forth. 

The intention will be to describe the State generally, in the ilr.st instance, giving the 
facts in regard to the climate, soil, health, water, surface, timber, general capacity, and 
general productions, and then to give the peculiar characteristics of each different section 
of the State as far as attainable. 

With reference to the general character of the whole State, 1 ajiprehend no great difli- 
culty in the preparation of such articles as may be necessary or desirable. Indeed, the 
services of very competent men are already engaged for the treatment of these features of 
the topic, and now sufficient knowledge of these general traits is so prevalent that the ac- 
complishment of this part of the work is comparatively easy. But it is chiefly in regard 
to the collection of accurate statistics of tlie dififerent counties and special localities that 
difliculties will arise. 

People from abroad have, on account of the facilities of access to Jacksonville and the 
villages of the St. Johns, made tiiemselves quite familiar with the character of that portion 
of East Florida that is within reach of the eye of one passing on steamers up and down 
the St. Johns, and have taken this as a fair sample of the whole State, and formed their 
opinion accordingly, while the remaiijdei' of East Florida and the whole of Middle and 
West Florida have remained almost entirely imknown to strangers. 

To correct this false idea, and to give some reliable knowledge of other and better por- 
tions of the State, is a leading feature of the design of these publications. 

But, right here, if \.he work be well done, it will be through the intelligent co-operation 
of thoughtful minds in the diflerent localities. For, in the tirst place, such alone are cnn- 
vei'sant with the facts that go to make up the general character of these different sections ; 
and in the second place, such alone know and can give those special facts as to peculiarities 
of soil and surface, and, more particularly, such facts and statistics in reference to the ac- 
tual cultivation of different crojis imder varying circumstances as intelligent men most 
need in order to enable them to form an intelligent opinion, by which thej^ are willing to 
be governed in choosing a location for themselves. 

An earnest endeavor shall be made, so far as the knowledge now in possession, or that 
nuiy be attained, will ])ermit, to make a showing of each different section of the State, 
which shall be manifestly fair and impartial. 

Permit me, then. Mi'. Editor, through your columns, to solicit the thoughtful co-opera- 
tion of intelligent men of all classes in each o£ the different counties and sections of the 
State. Allow in(> thus to urge upon all who ma willing to take some trouble for the sake 
of exhibiting in a fair light tlie jjeculiar character, each of his own county or section, the 
desirability of communicating with me as soon as may be, and furnishing me the facts and 
statistics, that thej- may bo eml)()die<l in a description of that locality. Not only facts as 
t(^ tiie surface, soil, climate, and productions, but also, thq price of lands, the kinds of tini- 
l>er, the wages of labor, access to market, cost of clearing, health, water, and, specially, 
facts as to cr<)i)S that may be cultivated and actuallj'have been cultivated, with cost of cul- 
tivation and net jiroceeds, stating tlie amounts raised to the acre of the great staples, col- 
ton, corn, sugar, tobacco, sweet and Irish jiotatoes, &v., together with the prevalent dispo- 
sition towards new-comei's. 

Articles embodying such information are most earnestly solicited from all. 

After these papers shall have betMi published here, it is proposed to procure their inser- 
tion in the })apers elsewhere, so far as practicable, and then to condense and collate them 
and publish them in pamphlet form that they may lie distrilnited to all applying for infor- 
mation in regard to the State. 

While, Mr. Editor, it is not thus proposed thai all the articles furnished shall be original 



with me, still, it is proportt-d tliat every ai'ticle lluis fiirni,~hed shall rome to you, and 
through you to the public, with my official cndorseniont. 

WHY SKEK A .NEW HOiyE IX I'l.OKIDA ? 

In the interest of the. State Bureau of Immigration, it is ])r(j]iosed to give, in oondenscd 
form, an authentic and perfectly reliable statement of the actual inducements to settlers 
which arc offered by the State of Florida. 

In consideration of tlie superior advantages which, in many important partnulars, the 
South posses.ses over the West; of the migrat(^rv character of a large portion of the [lop- 
ulation of the North and West ; of the condition of several of the countries of Europe, un- 
settled at present, and with little promise of improvement in the future, a large movem,£?nt 
of population southward may reasonably be expected within the next few years, and to 
answer in brief such questions as will naturally occur to the minds of men seeking a new 
home in the South, and inquiries about the peculiarities of tiiis State, is the purjiose of the 
following pages. 

Attention is called in the lirst place to some of the general characteristics of the State, 
with the view of subsequently going more into detail and speaking of special localities. 

ACCESSIBILITY. 

Tiiere are few sections of the Union that, iq)on the wliole, arc easier of access than the 
State of Florida. Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, it is acce.ssible 
either by steamer or sail vessel from New Orleans on the West, or from Baltimore, Phila- 
delphia, New York, and Boston on the East, or from any of the European jjorts. If the 
settler desires, he may thus embark with all his household goods antl furniture on a sailing 
vessel, and w^ithout trouble or change, be landed within easy reach of his future home. 

Connected likewise on the West, tlirough Columbus, and on the Ea.st through Savannah 
by its own system of railroads, with the great system of Southern and Western and East- 
ern railroads, Florida is also thus by rail as easily and entirely accessible as any of tlie 
States of the West and Northwest. 

Within the last twelve months, more tlian six liundred vessels have been loaded with 
lumber and timber in the Florida ports, and dispatched to the Eastern ports in this country, 
and to the various ports of Europe ; and coming here mostly in ballast, and easily adapted 
to the bringing of passengers at light expense, they will promote immigration extensively 
when the inducements are fully known in other parts of this country and the world. 

("MJIATE. 

The climate of Florida is not excelled by that of any of the Umted_^ States, and it may 
be doubted whether it can he equalled elsewhere in the world. Locafed (ui the very bor- 
ders of the torid zone, and, therefore, so far as latitude alone is concerned, entitled to rank 
among the hottest portions of the Western continent, still her situation betwee*i the Gulf 
of Me;cico and the Atlantic is such, that owing to her peculiar form, she is swept alter- 
nately by the winds of the Eastern and W'estern seas, and relieved from those burning 
heats with which she would otlierwise be scorclied, and thus it happens that by the joint 
influences of latitude and i)eculiar location, she is relieved on tlie one hand from the rigors 
of the winter climate of the Northern and Middle States, and on the other, from the ex- 
treme heat by which not only the other Southern States, but in the summer time, the 
Northern States, are characterized. 

While in winter the Northern and ^liddle States are covered with snow, and fmst i)ene- 
trates the earth to tlie depth of several feet, and tlie leafless trees wave tlieir bare and 
skeleton fingers in the wintry wind, in Florida most of the trc^s and shrubs ar(Mu full 
foliage, and the winter gardens are tilled with vegetables in their most thrifty growth. 

In the Northern States the frosts of November and December most effectually put a 
stop to all agricultural operations, anil the farmer is compelled to feed his stock foi- from 
four to six months, and is himself confined to the getting of fuel and lumber, thus in one 
])ortion of the year consuming a large portion of the result of his labor in the other. 

But in Florida, this very winter season is better adapted to building, clearing land, and 
the performance of all necessary extra Avork on the farm, than even the sunmier. 

In the North, all regular farming work is of necessity crowded into the space of less 
llian half the year, while in Florichi thcr<^ is scarcely a single day in tlu'. wliole year that 
may not be devoted to purely agricultin-al work. 

In some of the Northern States the mean average range of the thermometer within the 
last two years, has been from 30 deg. below zero to '.H>end 100 deg. above. In Florida, for 
many years, the range of the tliermometer has been less than half as great. 

The following table gives the mean of three daily observations, taken by Dr. A, S. Bald- 
win, at Jacksonville, in the Northern ])art of Florida, and exhibits the record of the highest 
and lowest range of tlie tlnirmometer f()r five j-ears, from 3 So? to ]8(>1, inclusive; 



MONTHS. 



ia57 



H I LH I L 



January 73 

February !81 

March a5 

81 



April. 
May . 
June. 
Julv., 



AuRust • ... 95 

September 93 

October 81 

November |83 

December 180 



1858 1859 I I860 1861 



64i86 
43l85 

27179 
39! 78 



39 79 

34 84 
49 



39 79 
40l79 



H 

76 
79 

45183 
53 93 
64 93 
70 97 
70t98 
75 93 



H 



Ice one to two Inches 
thick, Jan 19 and 20th, 

1857. 



At 7 A. M., Nov. 25th. 
]8<i0, the Thermometer 
stood at 25 deg. 



Ivirlicst frost in the five years, October 27, 1851). Latest frost, April 28, 1858. Latest 
iVost in 1859, February 14. 

.Viid to establish this matter of climate beyoml doubt, tlio following summary of obwer, 
rations, taken from the "Army Meteorological llegister," is introduced to show the equa. 
bility of the climate of Florida, as compared with that of other parts of the United States • 



St. Augustine, Fla 
Tampa Bay, " 
Kcv West, " 

West Point, N. Y. 
Fort Snelllng, Min 



Jan. 


Feb. 


Mar. 


Apr. 


May. 


June 


July 


Aug. 


Sept. 


Oct. 


Nov. 


Dec. 


57.a3 


.59.94 


6:5.34 


68.78 


73..50 


79..% 


80.fi0 


80..56 


78.60 


71.88 


64.13 


57.26 


61 .5;^ 


6;i.54 


67.73 


71.83 


76.64 


70.46 


80.73 


80.4^^ 


78.38 


74,02 


66.94 


61.99 


66.68 


68.88 


73.88 


75.38 


79.10 


81.63 


83.00 


82.90 


81.93 


78.11 


74.66 


71.03 


38.28 


28.80 137.63 


4«.7(t 


,59.83 


68.41 


73.75 


71.8;{ 


64.31 


.W.04 


43.33 


31.98 


13.76 


17.57 


31.41 


46.;i4 


58.97 


68.46 


73.40 


70.05 


58.86 


47.15 


31.67 


16.86 



Yr. 
69.61 
1.93 
6.51 
.50.73 
44..54 



The above table shows the monthly and yearly mean of twenty years at St. Augustine ; 
of twenty five years at Tampa Bay ; of fourteen years at Key West ; of thirty-one years at 
West Point, and of tliirty-five years at Fort Snelling. While at tlie latter point the mean 
annual variation in the range of the thermometer is 59.64 deg., at St. Augustine it is but 
23.87 deg., and at Key West but 16.32 deg. 

Wliile the heat in Florida is not more intense during the sununer months than at times 
in all the Nortliern States, in winter the thermometer, in Northern Florida even, rarely 
sinks to the freezing point. 

These figures, from the most authentic sources, show conclusively that the claim made 
for the equability and desirability of the climate of Florida rests upon something more 
than an imaginary basis. 

But it is difficult either by words or figures to convey an adequate idea of the grateful- 
ness of the kindly and genial climate of Florida to one who has become heartily tired of 
the ceaseless alternation of the extremes of heat and cold experienced in the Northern 
States of the Union. 

HEALTH. 

In regard to health, Florida stands among the foremost States of the Union. For more 
than half a century St. Augustine has been a common and well-known resort for invalids 
from every section of the Union, and the salubrity of that particular locality has been 
very generally conceded as an indisputable fact; and yet many sections as well as in East 
as in Middle and Western Florida, are not at all inferior in this j)articular. The vicinity 
of Entcri)rise, on LakeM(mroc; that of (Jainesville and Ocala, in the interior; of Quiney, 
in the Northern part oi ]\Iiddle, and of Fcnsacola, in West Florida, for various different 
complaints, are fully equal if not sui>erior to St. Augustine in healttli fulness. 

There has been an idea iTuaccountably prevalent in some portions of tlie country that 
Florida is an unhealthy State, and yet the common report of thousands of invalids, who 
have been" benefitted by the influence of the climate; the official reports of the military 
uutiiorities, and the statistics of the U. S. Census, have conclusively demonstrated the 
.general hcalthfulness of the State. 

The fact appears strikingly from the figures of t)ie census iu reference to the deaths 
from pulmonary complaints in the different States, ami the results .strike one more forcibly 
when it is considered that this State for inany yeai-s had been a very common place of 
resort for invalids afflicted witli all varieties of pulmonary diseases. 

From the census of 186(.», it is foutid that tlie deatlis from consumption in the various 
States of t)ie Union during the year ending May 31st, I860, were as follows: In Massa- 
cluisetts, 1 in 254 ; in Maine, 1 in 289 ; in Vermont, 1 in 404 ; in New York, 1 in 473 ; in 
Pennsylvania, 1 in 380; in Ohio, 1 in 670; in California, 1 in* 727; in Virginia, 1 in 957; in 
Indiana, 1 in 792; in Illinois, 1 in 878; in Florida, 1 in 1,447. Here is po.sitive evidence 
of infinitely more value tliau all the tlieorii's oi' hj'potheses whatever. 

And in the official rejxn-tof Sui'geon-(ieneral Lawson ajipears tlie following: "Indeed, 
the statistics iu this Bureau demonstrate tlui fact that the diseases which result from mala- 
ria are of a mucli milder type in the peninsula of Floridu ' tJuxn in any other State in the 



Union. These reeords show that, the ratio of deiilhs to llic nimihur of cases of remittent 
fever has been much h'ss tliati anion'; the Irooiis serviiii;- in any otlier portion of tlie United 
States. In the middle division of tiie United .States the proportion is one death to tiiirty- 
six oases of remittent fevers; in the Xortliern division, one to fifty-two; in the Southern- 
division, one to fifty-four ; in Texas, one to seventy -eig-ht ; in Ualifornia. one to one linn 
(h"ed and twenty-two; in New Mexico, one to one lumdred and forty -eight; wliile in Flori 
da it is but one'to two liuudred and eighty-seven." And the Sni-geon-General goes on to 
say : 

"The "eneral hualthfuhiess of many parts of Florida, particularly on its coast, is [iro- 
verbial. The average annual mortality of the whole peninsula, from returns in this office, 
is found to be 'i t5-lU0 per cent., while in the other portions of the United States, (previous 
to the war with Mexico) it is 3 3-100 per cent. 

"In short, it may be asserted without fear of refutation, that Florida jiossesscs a much 
more agreeable and salubrious climate than any other State or Territory in the Union." 

And in reference to the comparative character of the climate, Solon Robinson, in a let 
ter published in the New York IVlhuiic, says: "As to the salubrity of the climate, I fully 
believe its average equal to Indiaiui'or Illinois, and certainly no worse for immigrants from 
any of the Northern States than Central New York was in its early settlement for those 
who went into its forests from New England. There are here, as there, miasmatic locali- 
ties, and localities where mosc[uitoes are as pestiferous as they are in the Montezuma 
marshes — no worse, and eertaiidy no worse than 1 have often found them at vai'iousi)oints 
around New York." 

Where lands are swampy, or along rivers where the banks are low, or have been recent- 
ly cleared from a heavy growth of vegetation, there will be a liability to the same kinds 
of fever with which other sections of the counti'v similarly situated are afflicteil ; but it is 
easily discernible from th6 statistics, and is well known within the exjierience of every 
resident physician, and of evei-y citizen of the State, that all of the fevers ass\mie a much 
milder type, and are much less dangerous, than in alnnwt any other State. Witli common 
and proper care, the health of immigrants to Florida is as safe as in any other section of 
the countrj-. 

IHEAP I.AXDS. 

Another strong inducement to immigration into this State is found in the comparative 
cheapness of a large portion of the lands within her borders. There are within the State 
some fifteen millions of acres of U. S. lands, all subject to homestead entry in quantities 
not exceeding 160 acres. There are also some ten millions of acres of State lands for sale 
at from $1.25 to *;2.50 per acre. 

And while it is true that the lands along the St. Johns, and in the vicinity of the larger 
cities and towns are rapidly becoming quite valuable, still there are hundreds of thousands 
of acres that may be bought for from $2 to $5 per acre. These are improved lands ; but 
unimproved plantations in many parts of the State can be bought for no more than the 
clearing would cost now. 

Again, all over the State are scattered what are called "old fields," or old cleared lands 
that have been formerly cultivated, and afterwards abandoned for newer lands. These old 
fields are often situated in the near vicinity of large supplies of natural manures, furnish- 
ing such abundant means of re-invigoration as to make the restoration of these lands to 
their original strength easier and nu)re economical than the clearing of uew lauds, and 
such old fields, in many cases, can be bought for from .$2 to $5. 

Many of the more preferable lands of the State exist in large plantations or tracts, and 
it would be necessary to ))urchase large (quantities of land in order to obtain them on the 
most reasonable terms. Eut this fact constitutes no valid objection, because by purchasing- 
such large tracts, ojiportunities will be furnished for the establishment of colonies of set- 
tlers, each of whom, by a proper division of these lands, may obtain such quantity as he 
desires, and yet the comfort and convenience of all will be jjromoted by their conunon 
location in the vicinity of each other. 

IC.VSK OF TILLA(;K. 

The facility witli which the greater portion of the tillable lauds in Florida can be worked, 
furnishes another very strong inducenuMit to those who, in coming here, i)ropose to engage 
in agricultural ])urKuits. 

Lands in Florida can be, autl really ai'c, worked with very murli less force than is re- 
qtiired in the North. Whetlicr sandy, (;Iayey, or loamy, they are mucli more friable, atid 
more easily tilled. 

The fact that neai'ly all the plowing done in tlie State is by t lie us(; of single teams, in- 
dicates the ease with which the soil can be worked. Indeed, witli the same force, as much 
land can be prepared for crops in Florida in three days, as in the Northern and Eastern 
States can be thus worked in five days. Those wlio, in tliis State, know by experience the 



6 

lieavy laliur and the len,!2,th of tiuie required in tlie preparation of the clay spoils of the 
xSorth, with the freqnent dntentions caused by waitinnj for the proper decree of liumidity ; 
and those accustomed to the jerking of a plow running:; through lands tilled with stone, 
will appreciate fully the ease and rapidity with which all tlie ]H-eparatory labor of the 
farmer can be accomplished, and the postsibility of such labor at any and all seasons of 
the year. 

SURFACE. 

The apparently monotonous and unvarying level surface of Eastern Florida. ..o far ai. 
the same is o))en to the insjiection of casual ])assengers, is well calculated to give rise to 
erroneous notions of the general surface of the State. Tlie very existence of the magnifi- 
cent river, St. Johns, .-iveraging some two miles in width for more than one hundred and 
fifty miles in length, and rolling its vast current through a section of country so nearly 
absolutely level th.at no elevation of even one hundred feet is within the view of one pa.s- 
sing up and down the whole length of tlie river, is one of the most singular geographical 
facts relating to the whole country. 

But the stu'face of the remainder of the State is not to be judged by what is seen in the 
extreme East. In Middle Florida, i)art.icularly in the counties of Leon, (Jadsden, and 
Jackson, may be found (juite an uneven country, sometimes gently undulating, and some- 
times quite iiilly, although the hills have no great elevation, and none rise into the impor- 
tance of actual mountains. And the same is true of portions of AVest Florida. Through 
these regions the frequent springs, the running streams, and the beautifully varied (Surface 
are in strong and pleasant contrast to the monotonous levels of the East, and the "Flat- 
Woods" of the interior. 

No one wlio has not seen the middle counties of Florida can be said to !la^■e an adequate 
idea of the State. 

I.IGHT AVOKK AXI) AMPLE LEISUKE. 

While many })ortious of the State are exactly adat)ted to the pursuit of what is called 
"regular farming," in the same way in. which it is followed in the Northern States, still 
such is the mildness of the climate that the same "regular farm work" which, at tlie 
North, is necessarily obliged to be performed within the limits of six or seven months, in 
Florida m.-iy be allowed the Avhole year for its transaction. 

Thus the farmer, instead of being crowded for tune, and really, by the shortness of the 
season, constrained to overM'ork, or work constantly and hurriedly, may have the' whole 
year for the performance of his necessary labors, and of course can proceed more leisure- 
ly, and have vastly more spare time to devote to other and congenial jiursuits. 

But while it is true that the regular farm work can, fi-om the facility of working the 
soil, be much more easily performed, it is likewise true that the mildness of the climate 
allows the crops of vegetables and fruits, common to this and other States, to mature many 
weeks earlier than at the North, and allows the cultivation of many crops that cannot be 
cultivated elsewhere ; hence, an opportunity is given for those disinclined to the heavy 
work of ordinary farming, to engage in the much lighter labor of fruit cidture, or of rais- 
ing vegetables lor Northern markets, with a prospect of better returns than can be expect- 
ed from ordinary farm crops. 

Thus would be secured a nuich lighter and more agreeable^ kiml of citltivation. and the 
prospect of as certain and lucrative returns as can be relied on frtjui any ntjiei' agricultural 
employment. 

WIDE SCOI'E OF VE(,iETATIOX. 

The very great variety of crops, from wliich the farmer in Florida may make such selec- 
tions as he chooses, constitutes anotlier consideration of great inq)ortance. Wide as may 
seem the oj)portHnity of selection in tlie Northern and Eastern States, it, is narrow indeed, 
as compared with that of Florida. With very few exceptions, all that grow s in the other 
States of the Union may well be grown in Florida, and to these may be added a wry long 
list of productions, many of which can only be raised luulcr careful pi'otection, and some 
of which are unknown in the other States. 

Except in Central America, where the fre((uent luountaius, by diiTcrences of elevation, 
give that variety of temi)erature caused elsewhere by difference ot lalitudo, there is pro- 
bably no portion of the Northern part of the Western continent that gives so great and 
varied a list of actual and possible })roductions of value as tlie State of Florida. 

All cereals of the North, except wheat, have been raised with great success, and al- 
thougli in some localities fail- ci'ops of wlieat liave been made, still this ci'oj) can hardly be 
said to have had a fair trial. 

Without exception, all the vegetables tiiat can ije cultivated with success in the North 
.ore raised with greater success and facility here. 

All the Northern fruits, except apjdes, and some of the smaller fruits, such as currants 



and g-ooseliervios, do well in J^'loi-idn, and soino of then}, poaehos partioularlN-, tlirivp ro- 
nmricabl}-. Apples of very fair (luality have been raised, and it is elainiedtliat by proper 
care, they may be successfidly o-rown ; but it is probably true that they will not do as well 
as farther to tho North. 

Then to these are to be added, as among the crops which seem jieculiarly adapted to the 
climate, and which <>;row with remarkable vigor, rice, upland and lowland, peanuts or pin- 
dars, sweet potatoes, yams, cotton, long and sliort, indigo, sugar cane, oranges, lemons, 
limes, citrons, gniivas, figs, sisal hemj), arrowroot, and pomegranates, and in the central 
and southern portions of the State, pine apples, bananas, plantains, cassavas, cocoa-nut, 
paw-paws, various of the species, alligator pears, and probably cotlee, while tea can be 
raised throughout the State. 

Wonderful as sncli a list seems, comprising oidy the productions of a single State, it 
evidently must present great attractions to all wlio, by a more rigorous climate, have. been 
constrained to confine themselves to a more limited sphere of cultivation. '',• .jh*- ' 



Visitors to Florida have hitiierto found so much inconvenience and expense attending a 
journey through Middle Florida to the western portion of the State, that verj- few sti-angers 
have made a personal inspection of any other than the extreme eastern portion of the State. 

The magnificent river St. Johns, navigable for sea steamers one hundred miles to Palat- 
ka, and for river steamers more tlian one hundred miles further, to Enterprise, on Lake 
ilonroc, and for a still smallei' class of steamers up to Lake Harney, has made traveling 
'(• easy iuuT comparativelj' so cheap that strangers have confined their travels almpst ex- 
clusively to the extreme eastern part of the State. Of the far richer and more varied sur- 
face and soil of Middle and Western Florida, not more than one in five hundred of those 
who spend the winters in Florida have had adequate conception. 

Hence the characteristically sandy soil of Eastern Florida has been supposed to be li'uly 
indicative of the soil of the whole State. Thus many mistaken notions in regard to tlie 
?oil of the State have originated. 

It is true that the extreme eastern and western parts of the State have, in the main, a 
sand}- soil, generally covered with pine timber, but more or less undei'laid with cluy or 
marl, and interspersed, to a greater or less extent, with what are called "hammocks," or 
lands covered with a growth of hard wood. 

But as one proceeds westward, along the northern boundary of the State, the character 
of the soil changes from sand to loam, and then to a strong clay soil, until in the counties 
of Leon, Gadsden, and Jaclcson, the larger part of the soil is composed of a strong and 
rather heavy clay. Then talcing a stretcli of laud in the northei-n tier of counties, extend- 
ing from Madison to Jackson, inclusive, and thence down to the Gulf and extending along 
the Gulf coast from Liberty to Hernando, and including Sumter, Marion, Alachua, Levy, 
and other counties, one can find almost every conceivable variety of soil, adapted to the 
growth of nearly every crop that may be selected. Here, reallj', in the counties above 
mentioned, witii whose character strangers are almost entirely unacquainted, is the very 
cream and flower of the State. 

An accurate and somewhat detailed account of the various soils in the State is of so 
much interest to incoming settlers, that a description drawn with some care and published 
in a fornu-r |)amphlet is here inserted : 

Fine lands (pitch "and yellow pine) form the basis of Florida. These lands are usually 
divided into three classes, denoting first, second, and third rate i)ine*lands. 

Tliat which is denominated "first rate ])ine laud" in Florida has nothing analogous to it 
in any of the other States. Its surface is covered for several inches deep with a dark veg- 
etable mould, lieneath which, to the depth of several feet, is a chocolate-colored sandy 
loam, mixed, for the most part, with limestone pebbles, and resting upon a substratum of 
marl, chiy, or limestone rock. Tiie fertility and durability of this description of land may 
he estimated from the well-known fact that it has, on the Upper Suwannee, and in se\ cral 
otiier districts, j-ielded during tVnirteen years of successive cultivation, without tlie aid of 
inanui-e, four lumdred pounds of Sea Island cotton to the acre. These lands are still as 
productive as ever, so that the limit of their durability is yet unknown. 

Tlu' "second ratc^ pine" lands, which form the largest proportion of Florida, are all 
productive. These hands afford fine natural jiastnrage; they are heavily timbered with 
the liest species of pitch and yellow pine ; they are, for the most part, high, "rolling, healthy, 
Hud well watered. They are generally liased ujion marl, clay, or liniestom\ Tliey will 
produce for several years without tlie aid of manui-e, and when cow-penned they will yield 
two thousand pounds of the best (|uali(y of sugar to the acre, or aliout three hundred 
pounds of Sea Island cotton. They will, besides, when properly cultivated, produce the 
finest Cuba tobacco, oranges, lemons, limes, and various other tropical productions, which 
must in many instances rendei- them more valuable than the best bottom lands in the more 
Xorthern States. 



8 

Evon the. lauds of the "third rate," ov most inferior class, are by no means worthless un- 
der tJie climate of Florida. This class of lands maj' be divided into two orders ; the one 
comprising high rolling sandy districts, which are sparsely covered with a stunted growth 
of "black jack" and pine ; the other embracing low, flat, swampy regions, which are fre- 
Tjiiently studed with "bay galls," and are occasionally inundated, but which are covered 
Mitli luxuriant vegetation, and, very generally, with valuable timber. Tlie former of 
these, it is now assertained, owing to their calcareous soil, are well adapted to the growth 
of the sisal hemp, which is a valuable tropical production. This plant, (the Agave Sisili- 
aua,) and the Agave Mexicanna hemp, also loiown as the maguay, the pulke plant, the cen- 
tury plant, (fcc, have both been introduced into Florida, and they both grow in great per- 
fection on the poorest lauds of tbe country. As tliese plants derive their chief support 
from the atmospliere, tiiey will, like the common air plant, jjreserve their vitality for many 
months when left out of the ground. 

It is scarcely necessary to add, that the second order of the third rate pine lands, as 
liere de,scribed, is far from worthless. These lands afford a most excellent range for cat- 
tle, besides being valuable for their timber and the naval stores which they will produce. 

There is one general feature in the to})ograj)hy of Florida, which no other country in 
the United States possesses, and which afibrds a great security to the health of its inhabi- 
tants. It is this, that the pine lands which form the basis of the country, and whicli are 
almost universally liealthy, are nearly every where studed at intervals of a few miles with 
hammock lands of the richest quality. These hanmiocks are not, as is generally suppos- 
ed, low wet lands ; they never require ditching or draining ; they vary in extent from twen- 
ty acres to forty thousand acres, and will probably average about 500 acres each. Hence 
the inhabitants have it every where in their power to select residences in the pine lands, 
at such convenient distances froui the hammocks as will enable them to cultivate the lat- 
ter, without endangering their healtii, if it should so happen that any of the hammocks 
proved to be less healthy than the pine woods. 

Experience in Florida has satisfactorily shown that residences only lialf a mile distant 
from cultivfited hammocks arc entirely exempt from m.alarial diseases, and that the ne- 
groes who cultivate those hammocks, and retire at night to pine land residences, maintain 
perfect health. Indeed, it is found that residences in the hammocks themselves are gen- 
erally perfectly healthy after they have been a few years cleared. Xewly cleared lands 
are sometimes attended with the development of more or less malaria. In Florida, the 
diseases which result from these clearings are, as I stated in my former letter, generally 
of the mildest type, (simiilc intermittent fever ;) while in nearly all the Southern States 
they are most frequently of a severe grade of billions fever. 

Tlie topographical feature here noted, nan»elj-, a general interspersion of rich ham- 
mocks, surrounded by high, dry, rolling, healthy jjine woods, is an advantage which no 
other State in the Union enjoys; and Florida forms in this respect a striking contrast witli 
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, whose sugar and cotton lands are generally surrounded 
by vast alluvial regions, subject to frequent inundations, so that it is imi)ossible to obtain, 
within many miles of them, a healtliy residence. 

It would seem paradoxical that the malai'ial diseases of East Florida (abouiuling as it 
does in rich hammock lands, and exjiosed to a tropical sun,) shoukl generally be of a much 
milder form than those which prevail in more northern latitudes. That such, however, is 
the fact, there can be no doubt ; for this fact is proved by an aggregate of evidence, (ex- 
tending over more than twenty years,) which it is impossible to resist. It is suggested in 
explanation of this fai-t, that the luxuriant vegetation which in the Southern and Middle 
States, passes through idl the stages of decom])osition, is in East Florida generally dried 
up before it reaches the putrefactive stages of decomposition, and that, consequentlj', the 
quantity of malaria generated is much less than in clinuites more favorable to decomposi- 
tion. Tliis view is strengthened by the fact tiiat the soil of Fhjrida is almost everywhere 
of so porous and absorbent a cliaracter, tliat moisture is seldom long retained on its sur- 
face ; that its atmosphere is in constant motion, and that there is more clear sunshine tlian 
in the more northern States. It is further suggested that the uniform })revalence of sea 
breezes, and the constant motion of the atmosphere in tlu^ peninsula, tend so much to dif- 
fuse and att(^nuate whatsoever jioison is generated tiiat it will generally produce but the 
mildest forms of nuxlarial disease, such as intermittent fever. 

The lands which in Florida, are pur txcrl/our., denominated "rich lands," are first, the 
"swamp lands;" second, the "low hammock lands ;" third, the "higii hammocks ;" and 
fourth, the "tirst-i'ate pine, oak, and hickor}^ lands." 

The swamp lands are unquestionably, tlie most duralily rich lands in the country. 
They are tlu' most recently formed lands, and are still annually receiving additions to their 
surface. Tliey are intrinsically-tiie most valuable lands in I'loi'ida, being as fertile as the 
liammoeks, and more durable. Thej- are evidently alluvial, and of recent formation. 
They oecujiy natural depressions of basins whicli have been gradually filled up by deposits 
of vegelabii! debris, iScc. washed in frDUi the adjacent and higher lands. Ditching is in- 



ilispensaiile to all of them in tliefr {irejjiiraljou lor sirccessful cnlti vatioii. I'roperly pfe- 
j)ai-ed, however, then- inexhaustible fertility sustains a succession of the, most exhausting- 
crops with astonishinc: vii>-or. The gi-eatest yield of sugar ever realized in Florida was 
produced on this description of lanti, viz: four hognheads per acre. That this quantity 
was produced on Dummitt's plantation, near Xew Smyriia, is a fact well l<iiown to those 
conversant with sugar ]ilanting in East Florida. Sugar cane is here instanced as a mea- 
sure of the fertility of the soil, because it is one of the most exhausting crops known, and 
is generallv grown without rest or rotation. It is ^lot, however, a fair criterion by which 
lo judge of the i-elativc fertility of lands situated in different climates, for we find on the 
richest lands in Louisiana the crop of sugar i)er acre is not more than one hogshead, or 
about half that of East Florida. 

This great disparity in the product of those countries is accounted for, not by any infe- 
riority in the lands of Louisiana or Te.vas, but by the fact that the early incursions of 
frost in both these States render it necessary to cut the cane in October, which is long be- 
fore it has reached maturity, while in East Florida it is jiermitted to stand, without fear of 
frost, till December, or till such time as it is fully matured. It is well known that it | 
•■tassels" in East Florida, and it never does so in eitlier Louisiana or Texas. When cane ^ 
"tassels" it is evidence of its having reached full maturity. In consequence of the heav}- 
outlay of capital required in the preparation of this description of land for cultivation, 
and from the facility of obtaining hannnock land, which requires no ditching or draining, 
swamp land has been but little sought after by persons engaged in I'lanting in Florida, 
and there is now at least a million of acres of the best description of this land vacant in 
the country, which can be secured at less than two dollars per acre. Vast bodies of it lie 
convenient to navigation and railways, and doubtless will soon be sought after with avidi- 
ty, as soon as the sugar plantf r? of Louisiana and Texas become aprized of its character 
and of the many advantages which sugar planting in Florida presents over any other State 
in the Union. 

Tavii hmnmocka, which <from the fact of their partaking of the*ature of hammocks and 
swamps, and sometimes termed itwioiimock, are not inferior to swamp lands in fertility, but 
perhaps, are not quite as durable. They are nearly always level, or nearly so, and have a 
soil of greater tenacity than that of the high hammocks. Some ditching is necessai-y in 
many of them. The soil in them is always deep. These lands are also extremely well 
adapted to the growth of the cane, as has been well attested by the many plantations 
which were formerly in operation here on this description of land. There is not nearly so 
large a proportion of low hammock as there is of swamp lands. 

///yA lutmmochx are the lands in the greatest repute in Florida. These differ from low 
hammocks in occupying higher ground, and in genei'ally presenting an undulating surface. 
They are formed of a fine vegetable mould, mixed with a sandy loam, in many places two 
feet deep, and resting in most cases on a substratum of clay, niai'l, or limestone. It will 
be readily understood by any one at all acquainted with agriculture, that such a soil, in 
such a climate as Florida, nmst be extremely productive. This soil, scarcely ever suffers 
from too much wet ; nor does drought affect it in the same degree as other lands. High 
hammock lands produce, with but little labor or cultivation, all the crops of the country in 
an eminent degree. Such lands have no tendency to break up in heavy masses, nor are 
they infested with pernicious weeds or grasses. Their extraordinary fertility and pro 
ductiveness may be estimated by the fact that, in several well known instances in Marion 
<'ounty, three hogsheads of sugar have been made jDer acre on this description of land, 
after it had been in cidtivation six yeai-s in successive crops r^f corn, without the aid of 
manure. 

To sum up its advantages, it requii'es no other preparation than clearing and plowing to 
tit it at once for the greatest possible production of any kind of crop adapted to the cli- 
mate. In unfavorable seasons it is much more certain to produce a good croj) than othei' 
kind of land, from the fact that it is less affected by exclusively dry or wet weather. It 
can be cultivated with much less labor than any other lands, being remarkably mellow, 
and its vicinity is generally high and healthy. These reasons are sufficient to entitle it to 
the estimation in which it is held over all otiier lands. 

The first-rate pine, oak, and hickory lands are found in pretty extensive bodies in many 
jiarts of the State, particularly in Marion, Alachua, and Hernando counties. From the 
fact that those lands can be cleared at much less expense than the swamp and hammock 
lands, they have, heretofore, been preferred by the small planters, and have proved rcj 
markably productive. 

There are, besides the lands already noticed, extensive tracts of savanna lands which 
approximate in character, texture of the soil, and period ami mode of formation, to the 
swamp lands, differing only in being destitute of timber. Some of these lands are, how- 
ever, extremely poor. 

Probably the largest bodies of rich haiinnoc^k land in East Florida are to be found in 
Levy, Alachua, Marion, Hernando, and Sumter counties. Tiiereare in Levy county alone. 



10 

not less than one huiulred thousand acres of the very best description of sugar lands; and 
there is but a small proportion in anj' of the five counties here cited, that will not produce 
remunerative crops of Sea Island and short staple cotton, without the aid of manure. 

The lands on the St. Johns river, taken as a whole, are not as fertile as in some other 
sections of the State. _ There are, liowever, thousands of acres of rich liammock land 
within a mile of the river, which are as yet an unbroken forest, and the pine lands are 
much better tlian the average of the whole State. Besides, there is an abundance of muck 
on the banks of tlie river and its tributaries, which furnishes a most excellent fertilizer. 
Lime, marl, and shells are also easily ^)btained, and l»avc been used with verj' beneficial 
results. 

In Middle Florida, the counties of Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Madison have large 
quantities of high, roiling hammock land ; also, the county of Jackson, in West Florida. 
They are more undulating than those in East Florida, and are underlaid with a stiff red 
clay. They are by far tlie best lands in tlie State for short .staple cotton, to which they 
have been almost exclusively appropriated. Tliero is in Volusia county, a range of low 
hammock, a little back from the coast, from a half to two miles wide, and extending from 
the head of tlie Halifax to the head of the Indian river, some fifty miles, as well adapted 
ti> sugar cane as any land in the State. The (xulf Hammock, in Levy county, comprises 
perhaps tlie largest body of rich land in Florida. It was bought tip years ago at from five 
to ten dollars per acre by private parties, l)y wliom it is mostly held at the present time. 
The Florida Railroad runs through it, and it will, no doubt, become, at an early day, one 
of the garden spots of the State. The clearing of tlie hammocks, howe\er, is expensive, 
and, as in every new country, we may t^^:)l(■(•t lo see ihe lands more lightly timbered first 
brouo-ht into cultivation. 



VIEW OF AN INTELLIGENT FRENCHMAN 

AS TO THE CAPACITY OF FLORIDA, PUBLISHED IX 182i'. 



Official statements in the interest of Immigration are sometiuies liable to a suspicion of 
undue bias and partiality tliat often detracts from their elRcieiicy, oxen when they .ire en- 
tirely witliin the limits of demonstrability. 

I am glad, then, to ask the insertion of the following Petition to Congress of the "Coffee 
Land Association," which was presented and made public some fifty years ago. 

The Association, under the lead of Peter Stephen Chazotte, who was a Frencli coffee 
planter of large experience and skill, and of great intelligence, ask for a grant oj; land for 
the encouragement of coffee planting and tlie raising of various other valuable and rave 
products. 

And in the petition, anxious to show tlie strong probabilities of success, an extended 
course of reasoning, based mainly upon known climatic and other con.siderations, and tend- 
ing to show, at least, reasonable grounds for expecting favorable results. 

The fact that the\)etition was presented fifty years ago, and by men seeking a grant 
iVoiii the government, relieves tlie reasoning and facts cited from all imputation of partizan 
iir undue bias. 

And again, the fact that thotisands of French emigrants are even now earnestly looking 
i'or a new and freer home in this Western World, gives peculiar and earnest force to these 
utterances and reasonings of a former generation, from a citizen of their own "La Belle 
France." J. S. A. 

No. 1. 

Juif/>i and obf:e7-i'rif!onii on the culture of VineK, Ollnes, C<cper>i, Almonds, <jtr., in the. SonthtVii 
Sinfes, mid of Coffee, Cocoa, caul Cochineal in East Flor'idn, f)i/ I'etcr Stephen Cazotte, whu 
ho^ for upwards of ten yearx been engaged in the eidture of vines, <£v., in Southern Frmiee, 
and for seven years a grower of Coffee, Coeoa, etc., in the West Indies. 

To tlie President, Senate, and House of Representatives of tlie United States, 
Are respectfalij' offered, for tiieir consideration, the following facts and observations on 
the policj' of immediatel_y,4*itroducing the higlilv interesting cultures of Vines, Olives, Ca- 
pers, and Almonds, in tlie new territory of the United .States, and on the plantations, of 
Coffee, Cochineal, Cocoa, oi' Ciiocolate Nut, in East Florida : 

It has a luindred times lieen elated that auriculture is the liasis of the national wealth of 



11 

empires. May I not be allowed to add, thiit it is the true source of individual happiness; 
that it secures independence, and clieri.shes every virtue ; the enjoyments of which are 
constant, without being contaniinated by those vices which arc fre([uently the attendants 
of manufactures. 

That agriculture is alone ca])able of raising a nation to the highest degree of happiness 
and independence, the history of mankind will prove; from the earliest ages man. has been 
taught to call the earth "his mothei- and beneticient nurse." 

For the further develoi)ment of my ideas on this interestijig subject, I shall take a cur- 
-ory view of the climates of Southern Europe and Asia Minor, and look if I cannot find 
ill our country climates perfectly congenial to the growth of whatever plants are success- 
fully cultivated in Southern Europe. In doing this, however, it is not my intention to in- 
rhide wheat, barley, oats, nor any grains and vegetables wliich our country is known to 
.';-row to as great a perfection as in any other part of the world. I shalUimitmy inquiries 
to those rich staples which our soil will luxuriantly grow, and wliich we have until now- 
neglected to cultivate. 

Having resolved not to be deterred from jirosccuting this plan of improvements by any 
of those idle ideas which either prejudice, ignorance, or foreign policy has been endeavor- 
ing to imbue our minds with, we shall clearly perceive all the advantages which our insular 
coast, our extensive inward country, the variety of our climates, and our rich soil, give us 
over the nations of Europe. It is ti'uc that we cannot at })resent drain the marshes of 
Virginia, nor turn the dismal swamiis of Is'orth Carolina into Roman consular retreats and 
pleasure gardens. We need not occupy ourselves with works which require a more con- 
densed population than. ours is. That shall be done when the land, distributed amongst 
millions of inhabitants, shall, by its increased value, promise a fair interest for the capital 
emplo3-ed in its improvement; then, and not before, sliall rich fields and stately mansions 
astonish the mariner sailing along our extensive coast. Leaving to future generations to 
elFeet what is not our interest now to do, we are at liberty to select our gi-ound, to culti 
vale the plains, or plant on tlie hills ; we may choose the climate, the river, the particular 
soil ; diversify our cultm-es ; in fine, we may raise all the European fruits, and the most 
valuable tropical staples. From the cliffs of the Patuxent to the bluff which crowns the 
plains that form the banks of Mobile bay, the vines may be cultivated, and the hills and 
■I'alleys of Virginia may, ere long, resound with the echoed songs of the vintagers. 

Wishing to proceed with regularity and order, I shall trace out comparatively jiarallel 
climates both in Europe and the United States; and then, taking a separate view of each, 
I shall prove that, to all our already known productions may be added all those which we 
have not yet undertaken to cultivate. In forming this scale, I shall pay less regard to 
parallel latitudes than to the par.allels of the now existing climates. Parallel latitudes 
i:ould not bring a fair comparison oi" climates. As, for example, latitude fifty-one, in 
France, would give in America the northernmost section of Newfoundland, north of the 
(rulf of St. Lawrence, and running westwavdly on the southern edge of Hudson's bay; 
and it is well known that, under the 51st degree of north latitude, in France, the climate 
is temperate, and the four seasons regularly marked ; Avhilst under the same latitude, in 
America, the climate is intensely cold, and only two seasons, which are known to be striv- 
ing to conquer each other. The cause of this may be a fit subject for a treatise. 

Having thus far explainetl my motive for abandoning parallel latitudes in order to form 
}iarallel climates, I shall establish them thus : 

Firnt Climate hi Europe— rTi\k\ni^ France from the Slst to the 45th degree of north lati- 
tude, forming two parallel lines running eastwardlj', and including the northern sections 
<jf France, from Bordeaux, Switzorlaud, Lombardy, Bavaria, Austria, Transylvania, Ac. 

First Clijuati'inthe United States. — The parallel climate is found between the latitude 
list and oStli, two lines running westwardly from the Atlantic, and including the south- 
ernmost sections of New Jersey, Penusylvaulix, Ohio, and Indiana ; the whole of the States 
of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee. 

Second C'linuile in Europn. — From latitudes 45th to 40th, including the southernmost 
sections of France, south of Bordeaux, one half of Spain, as far south as Oporto in Por- 
tugal ; the isles of Corsica and Sardinia ; Italy as far south as the bay of Tarrento ; and in- 
cluding Dalmatia, Servia, Albania, Macedonia, Romania, and the northernmost jjart of 
Asia Minor bordering on the Black Sea. 

Second CVonntc in Anieriea. — Its parallel is foimd from latitudes ou to oit, including the 
whole of South Carolina, and the northern halves of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and 
Louisiana. 

Third Climate in Kurojie and A.sid Miuur. — FvoU! latitudes 40 to o5, including P(jrtugi4l 
south of Oporto; the squthern section of Spain, Oran, Alg''4'''^' and Tunis, on the northern 
i-oast of Africa ; the southoi'iimost part of Italy ; the island of Sicily. Oi'o^^o, Moroa ; all 
the isles in the Archipelago, and those of Candia, Rhodes, Cyprus, ttc, itc.;' Asi;^ Minoi'. 
Sp'ia, Mesopotamia, and Armenia. 

Third (,'limafe in. t/tK Un.ited States. — Its))aral1el is found l)et\\('(^n latitudes S2i- t() g9, in- 



12 

eluding southernmost parto of Georgia as far south n> St. Augustine, Alabama, Mississip- 
pi, Louisiana, Pensaeola, and the northei-ninopt parts of East Florida. 

Fourth dinude in North Ai/irnro. — For which thfrc is no i)arallel climate in Europe or 
or Asia Minor. 

From latitude 29th to 'i5th, bordering almost on the tropic, and including the remainder 
of East Florida, containing about 3o millions acres of land. 

Let us now review those cliinates separately with respect to their jtrofhictions. 

Firnt Climate iv Europe. — There is not a single fruit, nor any grains or vegetables which 
the climate produces, even grapes, that are not likewise ))roduced in the first dimate of the 
United iStatex; for vines arc STiccessfully cultivated at Vevai/, in Indiana, wliich lies under 
the highest latitude of this climate. If, then, vines grow and bear pleiitifidly good and 
perfect ripe grapes iit Veveuf, what success would attend tlieir cultivation on ihe iipper 
land of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, where the climate is milder, the; season.^ 
more regular, tlie soil rich, and where tobacco grows in abundance, and even cotton suc- 
ceeds — a staple which cannot be raised in Europe in this parallel climate V An undeniable 
proof that this climate in the L'nited States is as favorable to tiie growth of grapes as that 
of France. We need but plant and our labors will be recompensed witli abundant riches. 

Seeoud CUirude in E^n-ope. — This climate, besides what grows in the first, jiroduces olivfcs, 
capers, almonds, oranges, limes, jjomegranates, and figs. 

Seeond (Jlinude in the United States. — This already produces oranges, limes, pomegran- 
ates, figs, (fee, and if olives, cai)ers, and almonds are not seen there, it is because none haAc 
yet been planted. It is a well known fact that indigo used to be cultivated there, and lias 
of late years been neglected, because of C(jtton being found more ]iroductive ; besides to- 
bacco and rice, which are great staples for exjiortation. Now, would it not exhibit a want 
of judgment to believe that neither olives, capers, almonils, nor vines, can succeed in so 
favorable a climate ? Facts demonstrate that, notwithstanding Itonaparte's coniniand to 
raise cotton in the southern provinces of France, every attempt was met with a discour- 
aging failure ; the siunmer was found to be too short, and all his endeavors to dispense 
with our cotton proved useless. Surely, then, that man must be ])rejudiced or blind who. 
after such strong evidences, will still doiibt of our success. 

Third Cliiuafe i)>. Eitroj>e nvd Ax-ia Minor. — This third climate produces only wiiat is 
slated in the second, Avith the addition of some cotton, fit only to manufacture coarse goods. 

Third' Climate in the United titntex. — In this climate is raised the finest cotton in the 
world ; and besides those staples that already grow, and may grow in the seeond, we may 
raise sugar, which is a production of the torrid zone. In vain did Bonaparte's empire ex- 
tend in the southernmost part of Europe ; unable to find it in an inch of ground where the 
sugar canes could grow, he Avas I'educed to extract a scanty supply of bad sugar from beets. 
It is then manifest, that our 1st, 2d. and od stated climates are, sei)aratcly and collectiveh", 
superior to those of Europe'; and if they do not produce Avines, olives, capers, and almonds, 
they are not to be charged Avith being unfavorable to their growth ; Ave alone are to be 
blamed for it. 

Fourth Climate South of the United States. — This fourth climate has no parallel in Eu- 
rope; it lies betAveen latitudes 29th and 25th ; and being four degrees farther to the south 
than any other section of the United States, it promises fair, from the nature of the soil 
and climate, to produce coffee, cochineal, and cocoa; as for sugar, it may evei-yAvhcre be 
raised abundantly. 

Coffee, cocoa, and sugar, are staples of the tropics, and a\ e are satisfied tiiat, as the lat- 
ter is raised in Louisiana, the climate in East Florida must/ be much more favorable. 
Doubts may arise on tlie success attending the culture of the two first nametl staples in 
tlie minds of such as are altogether unacquainted witli it; but let those wlio are conversant 
with the subject decide, and 1 am confident of being strengthened in my opinion by an 
affirmative. 

I shall here take a retros])ectivc view of the progress of the plantations of coft'ee in tlie 
West India Islands, and prove tliat, Avhere it was not expected to groAv, exiioriments at- 
tended Avith success liaA'e remoA'cd all doubts. 

In the year 1796, not a single coffee i)lant avus cultivated in the island of Cuba. In the ' 
year 17ti9, tliat plant began to be introduced iii^the islanil of Jamaica ; for in the year 
1798, there was but a very scanty quantity raised in that island. That .plant Avas chiefly 
cultiA'ated in the colonies belonging to France ; and, were it not for the French revolution, 
it is probably that that rich staple would at this day be, as it formerly Avas, tlie principal 
cause of the ascendency of France over England in supplying the Aviiole of Europe Avith 
that colonial produce. Unfortunately, I do not say for France, but for planters of that 
ofice liajipy and favored island, St. Doiuingo, they were doomed to utter destruction by 
tlie evil genius of a single man. That nifin was named Calonne, prime minister to Louis 
the 16th. By that policA', whicli in European cabinets is i:a\\{i(i*'un coup de politique." 
( 'alonne expected to arrest the revolution in its first brilliant progress, by diverting ttie 
minds of the Frencli peo]de, and directing it towards flu- safety of St. Domingo. Avhere tlu- 



13 

interests of France feecriicd, until then, to liave been concentrated. He resolved, and or- 
dered a dreadful revolt to be iiistig'ated there, and a man of color, at that time in Pari;-, 
whose name was Oge, was sent and lurni.shed with every facility the Government could 
afford, to stir uj) a revolt amongst the niulatoes. Ca^ic Francois was burnt, streams of 
human blood flowed, civil war was kindled all over the island. The French ])eo]ile were 
too Inisily engaged about redressing their grievances to be deterred from pursuing tlie 
object in view by i<ii i-ou/i <lc ptiHtiqKc. The inhabitants of that devoted colony were coni- 
misserated but not relieved; and so deep and long-endured were the sores of that opitress- 
ed peo]ile, that until their cure was effected, tliey could not busy themst-lves about healing 
the sufferings of their far remote countrymen. Artifice, cunning, and deceit on the ouf 
hand; enthusiasm on the other; misguided anil stifled the best judgment of the nation; all 
was liberty, e((uality, phihinthroi)y ; and, with a view to oppose the revolted nuilatoes, the 
blacks were declared free. 

In the phrenzy of a mistaken philanthropy, the assi-mbly of tlie nation were forming 
codes oi laws for the government of what they blindly called regenerated colonies, and 
sending their commissioners. When Monsieur, then out of France, brother to Louis XVI., 
and at present Louis XVII., wishing to save those sections that ha<l not yet felt thi^ re- 
generating laws of France, desired the Eritisli ministry to take possession of the French 
colonies, tlie planters of the western and southern parts of 8t. Domingo, imitating those of 
Martinique and Guadaloujje, receive<l the British. A part of that rich colonly was there- 
by saveil for a time ; and both Toiissaint and lligaud, two colored chieftains flghting for 
]iower on the supposed side of France, were on the eve of being coii(|uered, when the island 
was suddenly evacuated by the English. 

The policy of this unexpected evacuation is easily accounted for. The English (ieneral, 
Boyer, on his entering Port-au-Prince, had written to the ministry that more colonial pro- 
duce had been found stored in that single city than the whole of the British islands could 
produce in two years; and had urged the policy of securing the whole colony as a rich 
mine of wealth which the nation would enjoy, atjeast, for as long as the war with France 
-should continue. 

But the success of the French armies in Europe alarmed the British ministry;" they 
well knew that a general peace must at some time or other take place, and on such an event, 
St. Domingo must of course be restored to France. They could not reconcile with their 
hostile feelings the idea of being instrumental to the preservation of a colony which, on 
its being restored, would at once replace her rival on that superior eminence in the colon- 
ial trade which she once enjoyed, and which it was their policy forever to destroy. Thercr 
fore, they resolved to evacuate that island as the surest means of effecting their purposes; 
Gendral Maitland was sent thither ; he made separate secret treaties with the two chief- 
tains ; some sham battles wore fought ; and the British troops apparently beaten and re- 
pulsed in every encounter, without losing a drop of blood, surrendered th^: colony to the 
party-colored legions of Toussaint and Rigaud. But they took considerable care to carry 
off with them a number of planters, with their slaves, to cultivate coffee in their coloniet, 
and principally in Jamaica, where thej had as yet been very unsuccessful.* 

This plantation was by this means cultivated there on a lacge scale ; several planters 
« ere carried to Trinidad and other small British islands : and England now receives from 
•(amaica alone upwards of fifty millions of pounds of coffee per year. Such j)lauters as 
did not like to live under the British sceptre and colonial regulations went over to Cuba, 
and some to Porto Rico. 

Thus is coffee now cultivated in all the West Indii's. Yet the whole of tliose islands to 
gether, and the j)resent State of Hayti united with them, hardly yield one-half of the 
(piantity which St'. Domingo alone formerly produced. This explains the cause of the 
])resent high price of that sta]ile. The quantity now raised is 50 per cent less than in the 
year 1*784; and the number of consumers have increased in the ratio of five to one. 

We have seen that coffee is at this day successfully cultivated where it was thought il. 
could not grow ; it now remains to be seen if East Florida is not likewise favorable to its 
growth. 

This plant nei-ds not too hot a climate ; dry land produces the best quality ; as, for ex- 
ample, the Mocha coftee in Ai-abia PYdix. where rain is scarce and the soil saudj-, is e.>. 
teemed very superior. Thc'small size of the grain, and its rounded foi-m, indicates that, 
the land on which it grows is exhau.sted, and tliat the plant bears only a scanty quantity. 
In a virgin and rich hind this plant bears large crops; the grain is bigger, and flatted on 
one side, so that two grains united have an oval form, which lies in the centre, as the 
stone of a cherry, i> fruit which it perfectly resembles in size, shape, and color. 



* Bonaparte had thon eoiiquered the whole of Italy, and \\iis about sailing for Egypt : 
Moreau had silenced the northern powers; and Holland had, by the precipitated fliglit of 
the Duke of York, l)eeonio a sister republic of France. At this time Continental Hurope 
liad fiued for peace. 



14 

On the iron-bound coasts of Hispanola, .famaica. Cuba, <fec., this plant, as in Arabia Fe- 
lix, bears, evun in virgin land, but middling; crops; on the higli land, and on eastern, west- 
ern, and northern expositions, it bears plentifully, because the atmosphere is there colder, 
the dew in the night constant, and sometimes a light white frost occurs. 

In JCaat Florida the land is neither too dry nor too wet, nor is the climate too hot or 
too cold. This narrow neck of land being Avashed by the sea 0!i the south, east and west, 
possesses all the advantages which an island enjoys ; the sea bi-eezes modifying the scorch- 
ing vertical rays of the sun, and wafting away the ap])rqaching northern frosts. 

Two opposite opinions have been expressed and frequently repeated with respect to that 
countrj-. 8onie assert it to be a dry sandy land, and others, a flat, muddy, unformed ris- 
ing ground. These assertions are altogether unfounded, as may be demonstrated by mere- 
ly recurring to its topography. We see a neck of land 4U0 miles long, and about 130 miles 
broad, from the opposite beaches of which the land rises gently and gradually towards the 
centre, where are lakes connected with each other from south to north, to a distance of 
about 150 miles, without receiving any suiiply of water from any large foreign river; and 
about 40 small rivers, whose sources are at from oO to 40 miles distant from both shorefs 
and whose waters are emptying themselves into the opposite seas. Xow it is im])0ssible 
for those great sinews of nature to exist in a flat muddy ground, whicli could at most pi'o- 
duce reeds, and not the stfitely trees which luxuriantly grow and cover its surface. On the 
other hand, if it be called a dry sandy desert, the very existence of those lakes and numer- 
ous rivers belies those assertions, for rivers and lakes are never found to spring and exist 
in an entirely sandy country ; and such is the narrowness of this long neck of land, that it 
iiuist have a deep mould and prolific bosom to produce, as it is known to\lo, stately forest r, 
of the most luxuriant mixture, Avhich are constantly in bloom even in January and Febru- 
ary ; and the most beautiful flowers, whose florid appearance made the discoverers of it 
award to that comitry the significant and appropriate name of Florida. 

In all places where the climate is not visited by black frost, the land, either dry or wet, 
will procluce coffee: Cayenne, h'ing under the 4th degree of •latitude north of the equator, 
where the heat is intense, no mounteins but at oOO miles off, a flat, level and drowned coun- 
try, and where, as in European Holland, the surrounding seas are striving to overwhelm 
the rising earth — even in this swampy country, drained by ditches as resei'voirs for the 
water, the eoftee plant grows luxuriantly, even to the size of a ])lum tree.* 

At Kio de Janeiro, the present seat of the King of Portugal's American empire, lying 
under the '28d degree of latitude south of the equator, and as far as the province of Parana 
or Assumpcion, which reaches the 80th degree of south latitude, the coffee is found to 
grow. Why, then, should we not cultivate it between the 25th and '27th degrees of nortii 
latitude? that is to say, in East Florida. Will it be said that under the 2'7th degree of lati 
tude to the south^\^ard of the equator, it is hotter than under its opposite degree north of 
it? This will be contradicted by those navigators and persons who have visited that 
country. Canton, in China, lies under the '22^ degree of north latitude, and is the south- 
ernmost seotion of that large empire. The States north of East Florida already produce 
as fine cotton as is raised in that empire. Why shoidd we not also attempt to cultivate 
the tea plant? I do not understand this culture. Information on this interesting subject 
is expected fi'om those American citizens who, on a visit to China, shall not suffer their 
minds to be wrapt in a piece of nankin, or sunk into a catty of tea, but, soaring above 
their daily mercantile occupations, will seek for rest and diversion in the acquisition of in- 
formation, and the collection of plants, for the benefit of their native country. I shall 
close this digression by adducing some new evidences. In a proclamation of (xcorgc the 
111. issued from the court of St. James, on the Yth day of October, 1763, and by the au- 
tlu)rity of a treaty of peace concluded at Paris on the 10th day of February in the same 
year, his Britannic M.njesty, in the second section of his proclanunatiou, expressed himself 
thus : 

"Secondly. The Government of East Florida, bounded to tlie westward by the Gulf of 
Mexico and the Apalachicola river; to the northward by a line drawn from that part of 
.>aid river where the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers meet, to the source of the St. Marys 
river, and, by the course of said river, to the Atlantic ocean ; and to the eastward and 
southward by the Atlantic ocean and the Gulf of Florida, including all islands within six 
leagues from the seacoast." 

This govermnent being given to Colonel Grant, it was then expected tliat "rice, indigo, 
silk, wine, oil, anil other valuable conjuiodities would l>e produced in great abundance."' 



* In the W^est Indies this j)lant would grow to the height of ten feet. Experience has 
shown the advantages of limiting its height at four feet, by which means the branches, 
from the earth up, expand, and the plaut acquires a stronger body, which, in consequence 
of its low height, is sheltered from the ravages of a luirricanf^, or the two heavy load of 
its fruits, 



15 

The English, at that time, knew litth^ or nothing about coffee,* hence they did not men- 
tion it in theii- enumeration. ■ Some time after, an English gentleman of fortune went to 
establish himself in East Florida. His labors were crowned witji success both in the cul- 
ture of coffee and sugar canes; and his establishments were already considerable, when the 
American revolution, in its effects, made Florida pass into the hands of Spain. The Brit- 
ish tTOvernment finding Mr. Smitli, or sonu> such name, (for although this is an historical 
fact, yet, not having the book in which it is .stated before nie, my memory has not, jier- 
haps, retained tlie true name,) luul so far succeeded, would not allow him to remain there. 
They carried him off with his slaves, and destroyed everything he had planted ; for whidi 
loss'and damages the British (Tovernmeut awarded to him a considerable sum. Besides 
these, travelers, wlio liave visited that country, assert to have seen coffee plants in several 
l)lacea, not cultivated for profit and revenue, but as a curiosity, the intrinsic value of wliicli 
seems to be unknown to those who have planted them. 

Mr. Carvertf says, "So mild is tlie winter that the most delicate vegetables and plants 
of tlie Carribee islands experience there not the least injury from that season ; the orange 
tree, the plantains, the guava, the pine-apple, «fec., grow luxuriously." Fogs are unknown 
iliere, and no countrj- can, therefore, be juore salubrious." Mr. Wm. Stork, in his descrip- 
tion of East Florida, gives the following account of it: "The jjroduction of the northei'ii 
and southern latitudes grow and blossom by the side of each other, and there is scarcely 
another climate in the world that can vie w^ith this in displaying such an agreeable ami 
luxuriftnt mixture of trees, plants, shrubs, and flowers. The red and wliite i)ine and the 
evergreen oak marry their boughs with the chestnut and mahogany trees ; the walnut with 
llie cherry; the maple with the campeach, and the braziletto with the sas.safras tree, which, 
togetlier, cover here a variegated and rich soil." "The wax myrtle tree grows everywhere 
liere." "Oranges are larger, more aromatic and succulent than in Portugal. I'lums na- 
turally grow finer and of a quality superior to those gathered in the orchards in Spain. 
*Tlie wild vines serpentine on the ground, or climb up to the tops of trees. Indigo and 
cocluneal:j: were advantageously cultivated there, and in the year 17*77, produced a revenue 
fif 200,H00 dollars."^ In fine, I shall add, that this country will produce all the tropical 
h'uits and staples by tlie side of those belonging to a northern climate. 

Having, I presume, adduced suilicicnt evidence in support of the position I have taken, 
and demonstrated that coftee, cocoa, and sugar canes will grow everywhere in East Flori- 
da, as well as vines, olives, capers, almonds, &c., and that vines may likewise l)e success- 
liilly cultivated as far north as the Patuxeut, in Maryland, 1 shall now take a separate 
\"iew of each of these rich productions, and, from accurate knowledge, give a statement of 
the proceeds of a man's yearly labor. In this statement, I shall allow but one-half of the 
work which experience shows a man easily does ; 1[ and their moderate calculations being 
at no time liable to deceive our expectations, we may, with more certainty, form a pi'oper 
estimate of the advantages or disadvantages of those cultures, and whether we are not to 
be benefitted, both as individuals and as a nation, bj' immediately undertaking tlie grand 
work„or leave all the riches accruing from it to those who already enjoy them. 

It cannot be expected that I shall cuter into the particidars and minutia of the culture 



* At this period coffee had not yet been cultivated in the island of Jamaica, as is proved 
by a representation made about the year 177<> to the court of St. .lames by the planters 
and merchants residing in that island, and comprehended in seven chief grievances, the 
seventh of which I subjoin here : 

"That cocoa, or chocolate nut, which was heretofore one of the principal commodities of 
this island, is now lost by the heavy duties tliat are laid ujion it ; and probably our sugar, 
rum, ginger, tfec, must have the same fate if not timely remedied. And, as we have just 
now begun to plant coffee, we liojie for a bounty to encourage that plantation on our send- 
ing it to England ; at least that there might be no duties laid upon it." 

f Universal Traveller, page 604. 

i: I do not understand the raising of it, which is immensely productive, but 1 know that 
the neighborhood of Pensacola is the place where it will produce much. 

v;; In the year 1804, I was cast upon the southernmost point of East Florida, and al- 
though it was in the month of February, I beheld that country covered with green trees 
and flowers, the image of an everlasting spring. 

•[ Coffee — 2 acres to each man. There is no tilling or hoeing ; the only labor is to pre- 
vent gra,ss from growing between the plants, and the picking up of the fruits, which is the 
ino.st laborious ; otherwise, a man could easily take care of five acres of land. 

Cocoa — 4 acres to each man. There is no culture whatever; the laboi- is in cutting off 
the nuts and drying the fruit. 

Vine — 5 acres to each man. Which are to be j)loughed three times a year. In cutting 
off the fruits, or vintage time, additional hands are necessary. 

Olives, capers, almonds, need no cidture; hands are necessary only to get crops in, and 
extract the oils. 



!UiJ preparations of those commodities. My intention, at present, is not to teach, but to 
enlighten the mind on a subject foreign to the present agricultural pursuits ot om- citizens. 
A work, describing every particular, would, at tliis stage, excite curiosity, without promis- 
ing any real advantages. Such a work J shall cheerfully undertake when I see that spirit 
of enter})risfi which characterizes the American people roused and elevated to that degree 
of national pride and grandeur as shall warrant its publication. 

Fimt statement, an Coffee. — One acre of land planted by ranges, and the plants at 5 feet 
distant from each other, gives 1,'764 plants. A man can take care of two acres, which 
gives 3,528 plants. Each plant may, by an average, yield '1 lbs. or more ; but I reduce it 
to one pound : therefore, a man will give, yearly, 3,528 lbs. of coffee, which, at 25 cents, 
produces 882 dollars. 

It is to be observed, that no crop is to be expected on the first and second year ; on the 
third year the plant yields a good crop, on the fourth an abundant one. which it will con- 
tinue to yield cA'ery 3'ear until the groujid is exhausted and the plant, dies. For the two 
first years of the planting, all kinds of vegetables and corn may be planted between the 
ranges — they will yield two crops in one year; cotton is not to be planted l)ct ween the 
ranges. 

Seeond utatement, on Cocoa. — Four acres of land planted in rows, and the trees at ten feet 
distant from each other, give 1,764 trees, A man is capable of taking care of them and of 
gathering the nuts. At seven years of age, each tree will yield two lbs., and the fj'iiantity 
will increase with its age; therefore, a man will gather 3,528 ll>s. of cocoa, which, at 15cts. 
jier llx, will produce $<529.2o. 

This cidtivation, differing from all others, requires some illustration. It was formerly 
1 bought tliat its culture required much labor and a- virgin soil; but experienct; has shown 
that it grows on land half exhausted by the coffee plant, and in less than twelve years time 
•icquires such power as to destroy the coffee underneath. Hence, it is now planted be- 
1 ween the ranges of coffee, when this last is about seven years of age ; so that when the 
land would otherwise become a mere waste, requiring a hundred years for forests to rise 
i>ii it again ere it co\dd recover its first frnitfulness, the same land being again covered liy 
a new forest of productive trees, the fruits of which growing and maturing all tlxe year 
round, each day brings in its ci-op. 1 could not select a moie proper place to state, that it 
seems that Providence, in its wise dispensations, intended the cocoa tree shonld be tlie 
means of quickly renewing the soil exhausted by other productions. It is a fact known to 
myself alone, at this moment, because he who made the successful experiment, Mr. lierlie, 
and those who were eye Avitnesses to it, were, by the bloody effects of St. Domingo's re- 
generating system, doomed to an untimely grave, and I am the only survivor. The fact is 
ihis : Mr. Berlie, a ])lanter on the high land of Donna Maria, had planted, after the coffee 
had exhausted his land, the whole of his estates with cocoa trees. This answered well ; 
))ut as coffee became more productive, be thought of making an expei'iment — which was to 
cut down twenty aei'es of cocoa trees, setting them on fire in the same manner as is done 
in clearing new land, and planting them again with coffee ; it was found that coffee grew 
more ])eautifidly than it had done before. The cocoa trees, when cut down, were twenty- 
live years old. 

The extraordinary effects of the cocoa tree in regenerating the ground upon which it 
grows may easily be accounted for. This tree seldom attains higher than fifteen feet ; it is 
liranchy. its leaves very large, and the body, or stock, of a middling size; the leaves con- 
linually falling off the ti-ee, whilst new ones grow, cover tlie earth with a thick bed of 
leaves, whicli allow not even a blade of grass to grow witli them. Hence the ground re- 
quires no culture, and the trees but a light pruning, wlien any ravages liave been caused 
liy some storm. This constant thick bed of leaves returns to the earth five times more nu- 
triment than the diminutive size of the tree requires from it, and in less than thirty years 
i( brings the soil back to its original fertile state. 

Third. •itatcnif nt, oti Vines. — Having given the proceeds of a man's yearly labor in the 
plantation of coffee and cocoa, I shall now quit P'lorida, and enter the territory of the Uni- 
ted States. 

An acre of land planted with viiieis, allowing forty-one ranges at five feet distant, and to 
each range 104 vines at two feet apart, gives 4,264 vines to an acre. Five acres for a man's 
labor, give 21,320 vines; and allowing the grapes of ten vines to yield one-gallon of wine, 
it will produce 2,132 gallons, which, being rated at the low price of thirty cents per gal- 
lon, will ))roduce $639.00 for a man's yearly labor. 

This plantation is the most beautiful and luxuriant in nature : for nothing can equal tlie 
fascinating sight of a well cultivated vineyard. And as olives, capers, and alnumd trees 
ivquire. no jiarticular culture, they may be planted in ranges, at thirty feet distant, in the 
\ ineyard, where the mildness of the climate allows the plantation. In Georgia and Ala- 
bama these four productions may be raised on the same soil. In a more nortlu-rn climate 
the vines must he cultivated separately. So much may be said on this very interesting 
subject, that it would require more time than i ha\ c resohed to bestow on it at present. 



17 

''•'l alialloiily udil, tluiL it uti'crs an iuL'-sluiUotible s-uurce of prlviiU- luuliiiitioniil , wealth, be- 
cause these plantations may be made to last for ages. ., ^ ^,,j ^ ,.i| 

Fourth Htah'iin lot, OH luncK, olivat, mperx, and alinondu, planted pH jfJi,c'-^amf, ffrqnml. — Five 
.Acres ill vines produce, as before stated, for a man's yearly labor,. ............ §039 -iO 

" 'lij5 olive trees, at thirty feet distant, will yield, after seven years of age, a^out 
■' "one gallon of oil each, wliich, valued at 'tlielowpricepf i^lyjj.O per gallon,, is .^.;,, 262 50 

^n almond trees, } produce, A'aUied at f,>N.o-iu V / a// !j.' „ 

' 25 papers do. 3 :j>l. 50. ..,.,... ■ '• • - 10300 

,70 ' Yearly proceeds of a man's labor ._ §l,O0G 80 

^ '' Review of th' above. — I shall now suppo.*e that, in the eourseof thirty years, we niay en1- 
i'' ploy 50,0(H)persons in the culture of vines singly ; they will cultivate two hundred and 

fifty thousand acres of land, wiiich will yield au annual revenue of $31,965,000 

Fifty thousand persons in the culture of vines, (jlives, almonds, and capers, on 

•250,000 acres of land, will, yipld auau^usU, revenue of 50,340,000 

. Total: ^ ;.:..^]....;V!.:'.'!'.'^',!.'!'!'1V. .,'.!'• M^ ss2,305,ooo 

Cocoa. — Fifty thousand jiersons engaged in the culture of cocoa, will cultivate 200,000 
acres of land, which will yield an annual revenue of $26,420,000. 
iriy ^^.f^''- — One hundred thousand persons engaged in the culture of cofiee, will cultivate 
,...|wo hundred thousand acres of land, which will yield au annual revenue of .$88,20r),000. 

|,s,i!j , ,tt RKC.APrrULATION OK THE PEECEDIXCl K.STIiMATKS. 

'i'>tl0©i,flOOper.<ioiis cultivating 500,000 acres in vines, olives, &c., produce $82,306,000 

'i'lr 50*000 persons cultivating 200,000 acres of cocoa. 26,420,000 

•'.'<i400,000 persons cultivating 2oO,000 acres of cotfee K8,2oO,()(«i 

•''■•■2S0,000 persons cultivating 9oo,00(» acres prodik-e. . . .: $196,925,0()i» 

■ '■- .The home consumption of tliis country niav Tr>e estimated to be annually about, viz : 

Wines, olives, etc '...." '. . . . $17,305,000 

Cocoa, (fee 6,420,000 

Coffee,. .:>; . . 13,2oo,o(i() 

■ .,„dl .---I ;■: 

Home consumption $36,925, oOO 

Leaving an bumeiise surplus for exportation to foreign countries, of — 

Wines, olvcs, drc '.'. $65,000,000 

Cocoa, i':'ii;i!i'U.i'J.::'L!;i'ii;-i - 20,0oO.O(m) 

Coffee,.! .".»'.'. )'.■.;•.•':'.'.'. .i.'."; 75,000,(i()(i 

Exjjortfltion .".'.•'.'.■';'. I ibV'.' .■>} .".<>. i $160,000,000 

' It "vvill then become a matter of policy for the Federal CoTfTTiment to change the exist- 
'o lug fiscal laws and regulations with respect to those staples of exptn'ts. The citizens pay- 
iil'ltig no longer any duties on those articles which now form the principal revenue of the 
^■■' 'National (Tovernment, (hities on their exportations must of course be recurred to. The 
'■•■'estimate of which might, perhaps, give the following: 

Fixeal Dnf/e.s — Which I value at an aver.age of fifteen per ewt. It neither becomes me, 
nor does it enter into my plan, to trace scales of proportions on matters whioh must be 
left to the wisdom of Congress; and in forming that average, 1 merely have in view to as- 
<.lbi^ertain the probable results of my recapitulation and statement of surpluses; and I find 
the annual receipts in the several custom liouses would amoiuit to $24,ooo,O(i0. 
• There is no reason whatever that can prevent us from employing, in those several cul- 
_^.' tures at least five hundred thousand persons on eighteen hundred thousand acres of land, 
' |.|Wluch would yield an annual income of $393,850,00(^. , . ^j' I ^ ,' ,^ ' / ,,■.', 
'hul A\^^ supposing that, on account of our immense proclu9p,| we .lojvyered l]ie prices in all 
. ^,';|]l.ve markets in the world even one-third of the low prices at w-hicli I have valued them, 
, ,yet the labors of five hundred thousand workingmen would give annually the sum of 
,;,',, '1262,566,667. 

^ ^ j' Considerations of such vast importance are not to be overlooked. We have but to begin 
",j,„the work, and before thirty years are elapsed^ more than five hundred thousand Euroiiean 
,,] .j.eiJiigrants will be seen crossing the Atlantic ocean t-o unite their labors and industry with 
_^ ours; and everything concurring to increase our wealth, i>ower, and comnierce, and the 
'_j, Almighty making even the tyrants oi Euroj)c subservient to our grandeur, we shall tiien 
• ■■ 'be tlie most powerful, as we are now the freest and happiest nation on the globe. 

I need not, I tliink adtl anything to what I have already said on the importance of the 
acquisition of East Florida. Tlie sinii)le statements T have given, and it beiug the only 
laud adjoining the territory of the Cnited States where cotfee and cocoa will grow, is suth- 
ciently interesting to excite a lau(lal)l(! desire of seeing it jiass into our po.ssession ; how- 
ever, we must be contented with waiting patiently for the final decision of Congress. 



18 

To foi'm an accurate estimate of the. value set upon those rich productions, w^ heed but 
peruse the modern history of the nations of Europe. The whole of Germany. Denmark, 
Sweeden, Prussia, Russia, Poland, and Turkey may be set in a flame by wars, as in the 
time of Charles the I'ith, of Sweeden, and yet navigators will nowhere meet with war on 
the seas ; but the moment that France or Spain gets into disagreements with any of the 
nations of Continental Europe, not only is that section of the world kindled with flame 
and deluged in blood, but the seas around the g-lobe witness scenes of horror and carnage. 
And why ? Because the present object of warfare is ho longer what it formerly was. 
The acquisition of one or more provinces in Europe cannot move J^ngland ; but she sets 
the world on fire to sell her manufactured goods, monopolize commerce, and obtain pos- 
ses.sion of the French, Spanish and Dutch colonies. These she values more than king- 
doms, although she feigns to fight onl}- for the balance of power. Immediately after the 
peace of 1801, the French government sent armies to recover St. Domingo — the rebels 
must have submitted — the British ministry calculated the future consequences of such a 
submission, and Malta, a rocky isle, not worth a shilling in agriculture, suddenly became 
a pretence for the bloody and long war that ensued. France lost St. Domingo and the Isle 
of France, and Holland the Cape of Good Hope, Ceylon, *frc.* Thus Europe has fought 
thousands of battles, and slaughtered six millions of victims on the altar of avarice and 
commercial monopoly ! ' 

Spain, who, for many centuries, has been pursuing the most absurd policy, by discour- 
aging agriculttn-e to foster the working of her silver and gold mines; who has left unculti- 
vated the most fertile land on tlie face of the earth, and made of her formerly active citi- 
zens the most indolent j)eople in the world, is now endeavoring to rej)air the ruins caused 
by so blind a policy. Puerto Rico and Cuba are now tliought capable of producing ten 
thousand times more riclies than all the mines of Peru. The greatest efforts ai'e at this 
moment making by that regenerated government to place those two islands in a liigh state 
of cultivation ; emigrants are encourao-ed free of expense ; thirty -three acres of land are 
given to each individual ; they are fed during the si.x months immediately following their 
arrival, and furnished with every necessary tool and instrument of agriculture ; they ai-e, 
besides, free from all kinds of taxes for the space of ten years ; and, to such as wish to 
purchase land, the government sell 330 acres for $450, on credit of five years without paj- 
ing any interest ; after which an interest of six per cent, is required until perfect liquida- 
tion of' the whole debt. This enlightened and liberal policy would, in less than ten years, 
triple the actual revenue of those islands, were it possible to establish a mutual confidence 
between the Spaniards and strangers ;f a confidence which has so many times proved de- 
ceptive on the side of tlie Spaniards, and ruinous for the indnstrons stran.2:er among them. 

A government, founded as ours is on the most liberal principles of political economy. 
who.se very existence is a seal that secures the hapjdness and liberty of the least of its 
members ; whose policy is to increase the wealth of the nation, and whose chief magistrate 
i*, as it were, placed on a high tower to direct the uncertain steps of the enterprising pa- 
triots, and the inexperienced labors of the citizens, must, more than any other govern- 
ment, feel intereste(l in promoting the culture of whatever staples are found capable of in- 
creasing the prosperity and commerce of the country. 1 fondlj- cherish the hope that the 
goyernment will eagerly encourage the culture of the productions 1 have already enumera- 
ted. C'Ongress need, I presume, in those things for which they have not had any opportu- 
nity of acquiring practical knowledge, but to be made acquainted with the importance of 
thtlse plantations, by those whose lou«- exi)ei'ience enables them to comnmnicate these use- 
ful facts. As one of the very few in tlxe United States qualified to discharge tliLs impor- 
tant duty, and being, acted npon by those mighty considerations which work po powerfully 



* The British Government, notwitlistaMding the, inimcn.«>e profits accruing to the' nation 
from the rich commodities and staples' produced by its colonies, hiok upon them a.< 'mere 
marts for the sale of manufactui'ed goods, or stations for its nnmerous ships of war. The 
virtuous pursuit of :\griculturc (out of the limits of England) is cramped in all it.s efforts 
for the purpose of giving empl()yment to the corrupted I'abble of its mantifacturihg cities ; 
1o enrich ship-builders aiul shi[) owners ; to protect privileged companies of monopolists ; 
to oppress the industrious artisans ; to drain the purse of the affluent, and midtiply the 
number of paupers. Hence, the interests of the colonists have seldom been attended to. 
Their colonial systerii is so bad that it seems to have been framed by an avaricious com- 
pany of sliip owners, whose chief object M'as to force the growers of sugar and coffee to 
load their ships and i)ay them a heavy freight. .V grower of coffee is oppressed by tiie ex- 
isting colonial system, and the crown again oppresses the consumer; for no ntiahl'rt Eng- 
land can roast his coftee as lie pleases; he must buy it from a monopolist. " " , '" 

f This new colony of Fernandina de Xagua is not likely to succeed, although iijjwards 
of two thousand emigrants Inuc already repaired there. I know the person who acts there 
as a chief for the Spanish Government,' and know, also, that his exactions Vill ultimately 
Vum that establishment. ^ ,■ i , i , 



If) 

on the head of a true citizen, I respcjctt'uUy submit, for the consideration of the President, 
the Senate, nnd the House of Representatives of (lie United States, the outlines of a pro- 
ject for eft'eotiially cncouras>-inii- the plantations of vines,' olives, capers, almonds, cofiee, 
cocoa, &c., tfec. , ! ,1. ' 

The first preliminary stejis to be tiiken in order to carry the proposed plan into e.xeoi»-i'' 
tion, must be the secui-in^- of Ivist Florida, the southern ])art of which ujay he jjlanted in 
lofFeeand cocoa, and is, iu fact, worth twenty times more than the swampy land claimed 
by the United States, west of New Orleans. 

This beino- obtained, several considerations of a primary nature offer' themselves to the 
mind ; for, althou;.!;h every citizen is free to choose his culture, yet it is not in the jiower of 
every one wisliini*- to cultivate those rich ])lants to jirocure them at the moment they are 
wanted. Hence, when citizens are left without a helpini>; hand, discouragement ensues, 
and what may be effected in three years by the fostering hand of government, may rc- 
ouire a century wIumi left to the discretimi and impotence of inexperienced individuals. 
Thev must be guided ; they nuist be taught ; they must have a place where they will ap- 
])ly "for plants, and also acquire that information whicli no book can give ; they must be 
dissuaded from cultivating the aboriginal grapes, which, though they might prove of an 
excellent quality, are not worth the troble of a trial ; because, however productive they 
might be found in the end, yet, it would require more than forty years' culture before they 
could attain that delicacy of softness and perfection which ages of culture and care alone 
can give. The government, by means of its numerous consuls, may procure the first quali- 
ties of plants aaid seeds. From France and Italy, the best qualities of vines, olives, lige, 
capers, and almonds. From Matleira and Portugal, tlieir spirituous and astringent vines. 
From Samos, t'hio, t'andia. and Cypress, their sweet, delicate, and restorative cordial vines: 
There is a great analogy between men and plants. JMan must be subdued by the slow pro- 
gress of knowledge to the rule of civilization ere he attains that superiority of intellectual 
and spu'itual ideas which bespeaks him to be a being inferior to God alone ; plants obtain 
their perfection only in proportion as man improves his mental powers, and labors to raise 
them to the height of his intellectual faculties. Five ages have passed away, and yet the 
man who inhabited the soil which we at this day tread on, is still a fugitive in the desei-ts ; 
all our efforts to overtake him and make him a civilized man, have proved fruitless; he 
prefers death to civilization ; he flies off, avoids our meeting, and. before long, it will be said, 
"here were once innumerable nations of warriors that have evanished away" — a disappear- 
ance that will confound the sagacity of future philosophers, because they will know man 
only in his civilized state, and shall nowhere find that being in the simple state of nature. 

I beg to be excused for these fugitive ideas ; they have forced themselves on my pen. I 
resume my subject. From Cuba, in less than twenty-four hours, we may receive as many 
coffee seeds as we want. From the western part of St. Domingo, say Donna Maria, or 
from the Spanish Main, in the province of Venezuela, say Caraccas and Maracaibo, we may 
obtain the nuts that will afford the necessary seeds. 

These preliminary remarks bring me to the conclusiyu, which 1 shall improve, by hum- 
bly offering to Congress a plan for effectually encouraging the plantation of the 'foremen- 
tioned valuable staples. 

1st. That it is requisite for Congress to allot one thousand acres of land, to be selected 
by a proper judge, for the purpose of establishing a grand national nursery of those rich 
plauts. 

2d. That it is of the utmost national urgency, that, under the superintendence of the 
President of the United States, this establishment should be instantly commenced, and that, 
the President should select such person or persons as shall have given undoubted proofs of 
their qualifications, to conduct and superintend the establishment. 

Sd. That, to the end of immediately enabling this establishment to furnish Die citizen.s 
with the necessary plants, fifty thousand dollars ought to be appropriated for the perfect 
and quick execution of the object in view. 

4th. That the President of the United States be authorized to ap]ioint a proper person 
to go as agent to Europe, to select those plants and sj^ecies of vines that are known to be 
most productive both for quality and quantity ; or otherwise, to empower the consids in 
those several countries to procure and forwai'd the plants and seeds re([uested, and to make 
a necessary distinction of species in the several plants in order that none but the very best 
should be introduced into America. 

5th. That as coffee will, three years after it is plantctl, cocoa live years, vines four years, 
olives, capers, and almonds, seven years, produce sufficient seeds and vines to supply every 
demand, these should, on the first reception of the several plants and seeds, be cultivated 
in the establishment on a large scale, with a view, first, to multiply the plants and seeds, 
and to increase the nursery, which may also be commenced immediately. '2d. To form a 
school for the culture and management of those plants, where every citizen should have 
the privilege of repairiiig to acquire those informations and i)raetical knowledge that no 
-book extant can arive. 



20 

6th. That, with n view to (liscuinituname idlu tlfiiiand^, and tlieroby prevent the wanton 
w.aste of thet^o plants, a thiiisjj which woidd frequently happen if they were given gratis, 
the chief director, acting as snjicrinteudent of the establishment, sliould be authorized to 
8cll them to individuals at the followiug rates: > 

CofFeo plants, 2 cents apiece; cocoa plants, a cents apiece ; vine plants, o cent s apiece; 
vines, 1 cent apiece ; olive plants, 100 cents apiece ; ca])ers and ahnonds, 75 cents apiece; 
which would yield a revenue which, in six years, would fepay the government the tiftv 
thousand dollars expended in the establishment, and leave a benefit of upwards of one 
liundred tliousand dollars. 

On the seventh year the demand for cofiee and cocoa j)lauts will begin to decrease, be- 
cause they Avill be procured from every individual who sliall have already planted them. 
For ten years more the vine plants and vines will be in great demand, when they will de- 
crease ; and the olive, caper, ami almond plants will, for twenty-five y(^ars longer, continue 
in great demand, wlien tlie establishment, as a nursery, will cease to be j)roductive iti this 
high degree. 

Thus, having afforded the means of planting t'le best si)ecies of vines in tiie world, wo 
may, ere ten years have elapsed, produce wijies equal in quality to any in the world — a 
(|uality which will vary according to the climate and soil where they may happen to be 
cultivated. It is a general, and yet very wrong impression, to think that vines will grow 
only on such and such soil. Vines grow even on the worst land, and steepest hills and 
mountains, in cold and hot climates. Hence proceeds the great difference in qualities-. 
On clay aiid very poor land, such that no other productions can gi-ow, is made those com- 
mon wines which, being imfit for exportation, are distilled into brandy ; for it requires 
seven casks, or 420 gallons of wine, to get a pipe of brandy of 90 gallons. 

What I have stated in the preceding slieets will exhibit, in a strong jtoiut of view, the 
importance of establishing a national nursery in order to promote, foster, and effectually 
afford the means of successfully cultivating, on a large scale, these highly rich productions, 
which, in less tlian twenty-five years, will double the actual revenue of the country, create 
new and inexhaustible resources, invigorate commerce, and reuder it at times tl(jurishing, 
by the exportation to foreign countries of our vast surpluses. 

Considei'ations of such magnitude as those will, I ha\e no doubt, o])erate jiowerfidly on 
the minds of our legislators, whose honor.ible nussion is to mature plans, form schemes, 
and ensure, by wise Laws, the happiness, prosperity, and glory of our country. And if it 
be not considered a departure from that reverence which a private citizen owes to the 
chief magistrate and representatives of a whole people, to dare impart to them ideas on sub- 
jects till now foreign to the sphere of their legislative labors, I hope that I shall not be thought 
too presuming to approach them with diffidence and respect, and entreat them to grant a 
moment's attention to the contents of these sheets. Should they prove worthy of those 
to whom they are respectfully submitted, I shall esteem myself honored for having thus 
far been instrumental to the increase of the wealth of the nation, and contributed a share 
in her welfare and prosperity. PETER STEPHEN CIIAZOTTE. 



NOKTIIEM, CENTRAL, ANI) SOUTHERN FLORIDA. 



In addition to the general information in regard to Elorida, now easily attainable from 
various recent i)ublications, every immigrant who has dcteriinned to establish a home in 
the State, or select a locality adapted to tlie prosecution of his own particular business, or 
to the furtherance of his own special enterprises, will desire a more particular and detailed 
account of the capacities and characteristics peculiar to tlie different counties or sections, 
as preliminary and necessary to a judicious location. 

An effort was made to provide fully for this anticipated and natural demand by secur- 
ing from intelligent citizens of each county well-considered and reliable descrijitions of 
their own localities. But the attempt was only partially successful ; for while this request- 
for statistical and other information was most courteously and ably responded to in some 
instances, as will appear from the following pages, still, from many counties no response 
whatever has as yet been made. 

Hence, while hoping to receive such responses for use in a future edition, it has been 
necessary to group together various counties, jiearly alike iu characteristics, and apply to 
a complete group, so far as practicable, the de.scrii)tions of counties from which local de- 
scri))tions have been rc^'cived, so far as they are typical of the entire group. 



21 

Florida i.s usimlly (Ifsci'ihfel m.-> cmiiposcd (if East, Florida, or Uial. iiurtioii of the State 
betwpen tho Atlantic aiul the Sinvaniicc River, comprising- tlic whole of the peninsula; 
Middle Florida, cxtcnilinp; from the Suwannee to the Aiialachicola ; and West Florida, 
comprising the territory west of the last named river. This division, suggested probably 
by the existence of the distinctly;Hiarked natural boundaries furnished by the rivers named, 
may be well enough for the purposes of a general descrii)tion ; but a different division sug- 
gests itself, as better ada[>ted to the; purpose of an agricultural description of different sec- 
tions, whose characteristic prodtictions would be deteriniiu'd in the main by their s]iecial 
climatic conditions. 

Accordingly, in attempting to give that soi't of practical informaticni that would be ser- 
viceable to actual settlers, and best enable them to make satisfactory locations, a different 
mode of territorial division will be ado])ted, and, for the purpose of properly grouping the 
counties with special reference to those climatic conditions which conti'ol and determine 
their vegetable ))roductions, the State will l)e included in the three divisions o*' Northern, 
Central, and Southern Florida. ' 

Northern Florida will be considered as constituted iVom all the lands lying niu-th of the' 
]iarallel of Xo deg. N. latitude; tlie territory included between the parallel of 'J 8 and Sn 
(leg. N. latitude will be styled t'eutra! Florida; and all south (;f 28 deg. will be considered 
as composing South Florida. 

Thus apjiortioned, a general account of each division will be given, accompartied by' 
such local destriptions of the different counties as [ have been able to procure, and refer- 
ence will be made to individuals in the scn'eral counties, from whom further and more ])ar- 
ticular information can be obtained. 

NORTHERN FLORIDA. 

Northern Florida extends from the Atlantic Ocean, on the east, to Perdido river, on the 
west, a distance of three liundi"ed and seventy -live miles, and has an average breadth of 
some forty -five miles, and is composed of tln^ counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, 
"Washington, llohnes, .laclcson, ('alhonn, (4adsdeii, Liberty, Leon, Wakulla. .Teflerson, Madi- 
son, Taylor, Hamilton, vSuwannt'e, Columbia, linker, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, and 
the northern part Of St. Johns county. 

The climate of this si'ction, as a Mdiole. uuiy be said to be mild, verging upon warm. 
All extremes of teni])erature are essentially modified by the prevalence of daily winds 
from the Ocean or (^ulf of Jlexieo. The eastern portion, probably from the influence of 
the Gulf Stream, has a milder and more agreeable climate than that west of the Suwannee 
and in winter suffers less from the cold northers and northwesters that occasionally pre 
vail. But through the whole section, so equable is the climate, that although ice may be 
formed two or three times in the cou.r^e of a year, the thermometer very seldom falls be- 
low 35 deg. in the winter, or rises above 1(0 in the summer. There are occasional frosts, 
but during four-fifths of the winter season, the i^revalent temperature is that of the mildest 
Indian Summer at the North and West. 

The surface of Northern Florida varies from the somewhat tame and monotonous levels 
of Eastern and Western Florida to the undulating and uneven lands of the middle portion, 
and gives a much wider field for selection tlian is cojnmonly supposed, although extreme 
elevations are entirely wanting. ^lany strangers, who only make a personal inspection of 
the St. Johns region, and go away complaining of the tamencss of the scenery, the lack of 
variety in tlie landscape, and the sluggish movement of the streams, would find in the val- 
ley of the St. Marys a d(icp and somewhat rapid stream, inclosed between })ictures(.jue 
bluffs and high banks in the midst of a rich and fei'tile territory. The same is also true 
of the Suwonnce, the Cbip(jla, and (»ther rivers. 

Froin Hamilton county on the cast, and Holmes on the west, the intermediate section is 
undulating, ami in some parts quite broken ; many poi-tionsof Jackson, Gadsden, and Leon 
counties, in ])articular, bearing upon their surface a strong resemblance to the less hilly 
l)ortions of Tcnasylvania, Now York, and New F^ngland ; and thus is afforded in Northern 
Florida a variety of surface, consisting of sandy plains and "fiatwoods," or an alternation 
of hill and vale, from which the divers tastes of different individuals can be easily gratified. 

The soils of Northern Florida are as varicfl as is the surface. To the cast is fcv.nd a 
light and sandy soil, with a subsoil varying in depth, of clay or marl. In the west the 
l)oorer soils are sandy, while the better are loamy in character. In the middle, or section 
commonly called "Middle Florida," strong clay soils are ofteii to be met, as is esjiecially 
the case in Jackson, Gadsden, and Leon counties. 

It is undeniable that here, as in the State generally, there is a gootl deal of light and 
poor soil; but it is equally true that as rich and ju'oductive lands exist in Northern Flori- 
da, and, when considered with reference to the value of the staple crops, as productive and 
valuable land's, A?, caii b« Vnet aniySvhere. The first year'.s croj) of cotton and corn has in 



22 

more than one instance, repaid the purchase price ul' a plantation, and that an old one, and 
cultivated without manure. , , 

From the broken and uneven surface of the middle counties on the north, and from the 
<onii)arative coolness of the climate, this division of the tState is better adapted than either 
of the others to what is understood by ordinary "fanning," as contradistinguished from 
"planting," so called. Hence there is agreater diversity of tlie crops usually raised in the 
Xorthern and Middle States than can ordinarily be found in the other vivisions. Here, 
instead of depending mainly ujion the avails of a single crop, as i.s usual with cotton, rice, 
and sugar planters, there is more of what is understood by the term of farming, and each 
cultivator aims at raising his own supplies as far as ])racticable ; and cotton, corn, cane, 
wheat, rye, oats, hay, potatoes, and tobacco, are often, and indeed commonly, nuide by each 
individual farmer. 

The staple crops may be said to be corn, cotton, tobacco, rice, cane, Irisii and sweet ])o- 
tatoes, and oats. 

Tlie principal fruits are peaclies, figs, grajjes, oranges, tiiough n)any others are raised. 
TJie apple and pear do not generally flourish, except along tlie St. Marys River, (which i& 
one of the best frint regions in the whole Soutii,) and in the strong clay soils of Jackson, 
Gadsden, and Leon counties. The jieach and tig thrive everywhere, and nuiture several 
several weeks earlier than in the States lying north. Tlie orange is grown throughout 
this division, the crop increasing in security as you go south; but very line oranges are 
raised in the northern counties, although, when yoimg, they should have some protection. 
Xo better oranges are rjiised in Florida tiian tiiose produced in Liberty, Calhoun, Wakulla, 
and Washington counties, and the world can sliow no better oranges tium the best raised 
in this State. 

This whole division is remarkably well watered. In addition to the numerous rivers, 
the Perdido, Black Water, Escambia, Econtina, Apalachicola, Chipola, Ocklockonee, Au- 
cilla, Suwannee, St. Johns, St. Marys, and Nassau, and the multitude of smaller streams, 
nearly the whole region is abundantly supplied with springs, while good water is easily 
obtained in wells of little expense. 

The timber of the region is abundant. The supjdies of pine and cypress are apparently 
inexhaustible; while hickory, oak, ash, t'.edar, magnolia, and red bay are found everywhere. 

Game and fish are found everywhere in good supply. On tlie coasts, oysters and turtle 
abound. Tliey are both abundant and good on the east coast ; but tlie oysters of St. An- 
drew's Bay, on the 'West, are not surpassed for size and flavor, and are exceedingly abun- 
dant. 

So much will suffice for a general description of Northern I'lorida, as a whole, and for 
more particular information, reference is made to the local descriptions of Jackson, AVa- 
kulla, Gadsden, Leon, Clay, SuAvannee, Madison, and Columbia counties, which are sub- 
joined. 

WAKULLA COUNTY. 

Crawfordville, Fla., July 16, 1869. 

Holt. J. S. Adams: — Sir: 1 did not see nor hear of your circular of the 16th of Novem- 
ber, 1868, until I received your pamphlet during the extraordinary session of the Legisla- 
ture, and believing that Wakulla county offers extraordinary inducements to immigrants, 
and wishing to see it immediately settled with citizens, good and true, I will venture to 
write the following communication for your consideration : 

Wakulla county is bounded eastward by Taylor county ; northward by Leon county ; 
westward by the Ocklockonee river; and southward by Ocklockonnee Bay and the Gulf of 
Mexico. From the eastern boundary to the western, it is near forty miles, and from the 
iioi-thern boundary to the southern, "it is from fifteen to thirty miles. Wakulla county has 
a ^•oting population of about five hundred, two hundred and seventy-five of whom itt'e 
white, and two hundred and twenty-five are colored and black. The African tide is ebb- 
ing, and the indications are that the county will be Anglo-Saxonized. 

Crawfordvillc, the count}- site of Wakulla county, is at or near the centre of the count}-, 
and of the population. It is an eligible location, very. The water is pure and cool, and 
health good. It hiis a flourishing school and church, indispensable auxiliaries to greatness 
and goodness. The Crawfordvillc Lodge is a reticent conservator of Peace and Union. 

Crawfordvillc is twenty miles from Tallahassee, twelve miles from St. Marks, ten miles 
from the nearest depot on the railroad, and eio-ht miles from the nearest landing on the 
(ndf. St. Marks lias well-established weekly steamship communication with all the gulf 
l)orts in the State, and witli Havana, Cuba; and it is connected by rail with Jacksonville, 
Fernandina, and Savannah, on the Atlantic. 

The eastern division of the county lies low, and comes under the caption of "flat woods ;" 
but the greater portion of it is high and dry enough for cultivation without ditching, and 
with pro])er preparation and cultivation, the wlioleof itis productive, and having a doubly 
durable foundation of lime-rock and c]ay, it will endure for ages. The central division is 



'23 

also level, bill more' >?ievate(l and beautifully intefuiixod witii altfi-iuito sections of pine, 
oak, and hickoi-y and hammock. The greater portion of the population is in this division 
of the county. ' The western ilivision is slightly descending, and decidedly* undulating, 
with alternations of piney woods and hays, and the bays generally have greatev altitude 
than the l)iney woods, and are, Ihereforc. susceptible of easy and thorough drainage. In 
1861), at my instance. Dr. Daniel Lee visited two of the most noted of those bajs — one foi' 
the excess of sand in the soil, and the other for the sceminglj' total destitution of sand 
therein — .selected samples of bay earth, and subjected them to a rigid chemical analysis, 
and reported to me the following results: 

"In one hundred parts of the sandj' bay soil I found of , -. 

Organic, combu.stablo substances, ;'...',. .^. .,,'.'> .vVi • • ■ ^Sij 

Mineral matter, 90.14 

"The la.st named contained. 

Silica and silicates as sand SG.S5 

Alumina, (the basis of clay,) ..^^ j^ij V/fniW '"■^'' 

Oxide of Iron i. .'..'..■.. .'. A'-' 

Chloride of Lime t. '. Vt-Ti 

Sulphate of Lime '. '.'.'}.'! ^; <•.'. 

Sulphate of Magnesia <•;! 

Chlorides of Potassium and Soda, Phosphate (^f Lime, and loss ()V 

"This .soil has an excess of sand, and is deficient in alumina or cla}', and the compounds 
of iron, which render clay either red or blue. But as the vegetable matter is both deep 
and abundant, it will produce well. There is no lack of lime in any of the bays. There 
is very little difference in the surface and subsoil of the rich bay. Much of the vegetable 
matter is thoroughly rotted, and exceedingly fine humus. "When thoroughlj' dried, it has 
great power of imbibing moisture from the atmosphere, (is very hygroscopic.) Dried at 
the temperature of 212 degrees, 1,000 grains carefully burnt gave 132 grains of incombus- 
tible ashes and earthy matter; 100 grains of this contained ; 

Silicates and Silica, (very fine,) SS.l't 

Alumina, (basis of clay,) ....,.,..,...., ^ 2.42 

Oxides of Iron * ; .tj:i 

Carbonate of Lime, l.'^S 

Sulphate of Lime oc. 

Chloride of Calcium and Soda, o.'. 

Potassium and Phosphate of Lime, 04 

And loss,. . .07 

"As in a bank of rotten corn stalks or wheat straw, there is an excess of vegetable mat- 
ter in this bay soil ; and possibly uiay take some time to i-educe it to a fruitful condition. 
It is an immensely rich bay." 

Dr. Lee is a native of the State of Xew York, was for ma^iy years editor of the SoHlluru 
Cultivator, and was, at the time of making this analysis. Professor of the Agricultural De- 
partment of the State University of Georgia. T have discussed this question b}- reason of 
its great importance. There are tens of thousands of acres of immensely rich bay lands 
in Wakulla county that are susceptible of easy drainage, the soil of which is from ten to 
twentj' feet deep. Wikulla county is rich in timber suitable for lumber, naval stores and 
domestic purposes generally. The yellow i>ine, large and h>ng, abounds in every section 
f)f the county ; sweet bay, cypress, and black gum in the bays; sweet gum, live oak, white 
oak, hickorj-, ash, mulberry, cherry, magnolia, and Fhn-ida mahogany in the hammocks. 

There is no lack of rivers and creeks with sufhcient fall and calibre to drive machinery. 
There are seven grist mills and one saw mill in tln^ county, six of which are water mills, 
and three of them are within two miles of Crawfordville. J^umber is worth lifteen dollars 
jier thousand feet, and corn meal one dollar per bushel at the mill. Every section of the 
county is bountifully supplied with either branches, small lakes, or ponds for stocfe. For 
drinking, the (ritizens generally use well water, a few sj)ring, and fewer still, cistern. The 
drinking water, in some sections, is affected by rotten limestone ; in other sections it is 
onlj' slightly impregnated with lime, but mainly, it is entirely free from lime, cool and 
sweet. The welLs are from twelve to twenty-five "feet deep. Two hands can dig and curb 
a W(dl in two days. 

Grazing is good throug-hout the county, especially in the ea.stern and western divisions, 
and on the gulf coast. Stock of all kinds does well, and cattle and hogs especially are re- 
markable for their precocity. It is not unusual for heifers of two j-ears to have calves. 
Bear and deer are abundant in the remote and solitary recesses, and turkeys, foxes, coons, 
cats, (kg., are in every inan's plantation. The woods abound with wild hone}-. Domesti- 
cated bees are i)r()fital)le. Bee stands are wortii one dollar each; honey sixty cents per 
gallon. 

It co.sts a good deal to clear hammock land, and but little to clear pine; but I am not 
advised as to the actua]^^c(,)sto|, either,. Ttjer^v^^ cleared land enough in this county for 



24 

the present. Wakulla county is covered alnnwt entirely by what is kiiovviias the "Forbes' 
Purchase," so there is very little governineut land in the county, and that little is of very 
little account. The superabundance of tiniber contiguous to anj- suitable place to build, 
and the cheapness of labor, would enable one to build a comfortable log house for one hun- 
dred dollars. A cart-load of lightwood will reduce a cart-load of oyster shells to lime, and 
the lime and sand well )nixed, wet with water, moulded into proper shape, and dried in tlie 
sunshine, make good brick. A few clay brick, kihi-dried, are necessary for the hearth and 
back — perhaps seventy-five to the chimney. Tlie lime and s^and brick will en.durfe untA the 
end in the body and funnel of a chimney. .... , , 

I have yet to see the man wlio will acknowledge that he lives in a sickly place; but in- 
termittent and remittent fevers are not strangers in some localities, even in Wakulla coun- 
ty. But the county, all in all, is certainly healthy, and the acclimated citizens enjoy al- 
most uninterrupted liealth. Mosquitoes are numerous only on the gulf coast, and along 
the line of the rivers. I have not had occasion to put up my mosquito bars for years. 
Gnats and fleas annoy a little in the spring, but disappear on tbe approach rtf Mittnier. 
Not many snakes. . ' ' ' ' 

Aside from tlie equinoctial winds incident to all tropical climates, this.county is less lia- 
ble to storms than any with whicli I am acquainted. 

Mr. A. P. Tully, a gentleman of the highest integrity, Reports' that he produced last 
year, from one acre and three-eighths, accurately measured; tliirteen hundred and twenty 
pounds of dry sugar, and five hundred and twenty-five gallons of s^yru}) ; of sweet pota- 
toes, four hundred and fifty bushels tier <icre ; of corn from old land, witliout manure, an 
average of the entire crop, only a fraction short of twenty bushels i)er acre. Mr. Tully's 
plantation is within one mile of Crawfordville. IMajor M. Braswell produced on his plan- 
tation, four miles from Crawfordville, some years since, from one hundred measured acres 
of natural laud, (not a bit of manure was used,) one hundred bales of short staple cotton, 
averaging five hundred and twenty -five pounds per bale ; of corn, forty -five bushels per 
acre, with only one plowing and two lioeings. This I know to be true. But these results 
are above the average. ■!"• '['''■' 

For the want of enterprise, or fr(;m a consoling contUlcnce in tlie capacity of the native 
soil, the planters of Wakulhx liave not manured their lands, not withstanding inines of muck 
and marl, accessible .and inexhaustible, abound in every section of the county. The plan- 
ters usually guess at the acres in cultivation, and the pounds, bushels, or gallons produced 
jier acre, and, therefore, 1 cannot say witli detinitcncss and certainty how much the native 
lands will produce per acre, but the following will ai)])roximato it : Of .short staple cot- 
ton, from two to five hundred pounds of lint per aci-e ; of long staple, from one to three 
hundred pounds ; of corn, fi-om ten to forty bushels ; of sweet potatoes, from three to five 
hundred bushels; of ])indars, from forty to eighty bushels ; of syrup, from three hundred 
to four hundred and fifty gallons ; of rice, from thirty to fifty busliels, (rough) ; r^-e, oats, 
and Irish potatoes pay well; pow peas, chufas. itc., first rate ; int'lons, (water and musk,) 
jmmpkins, and all garden veijetablcs are produced in such profusion, and to such perfec- 
tion, and with so little ?ittention, that it is impossible to appreciate them! Figs, plums, 
pomegranates, and peaches are jiroduced to perfection; apples, only so-so; '.orange trees 
require protection from tlie cold only a few years. There ai-'e some sma,!! , k'Vv'efet" orange 
groves in the county that ])ear astonishinglj-. ; • > m • . 

Labor is abundant, and can be obtained at from fifty to scvcjity -five cents per day, or 
from ten to twelve dollars ])er month, with rations. Good farm horses and mules are worth 
from one hundred to two hundred dollars each ; stock cattle from five to six dollfirs per 
head; stock hogs, two dollars; sheep, two dollars, and goats, one dollar and twenty -five 
cents. 

Large tracts of land in elcg-ible sections, much of thehi ' v6ry rich, with improvements 
thereon, can be purchased at from two to five dollars per acre. In some localities, more 
or less desirable, lands, with improvements, can be ptu-chased almost at purchaser's own 
])rice. ".'['" , 

Prior to 18G0, turpentining was a lucrative avocation in this county, and there are pine 
trees already boxed, by sections, in localities convenient to shipping. One hand can chip 
and di]) four thousand boxes, which will yield about two hundred bai'relsof crude turpentine, 
worth inonfc hclJuni times two dollars per bai'rel. Tobacco, too, was a remunerative crop ; 
speckled tobacco, soft and silky, good as any ever pi-oduccd in Gadsden county or in Cuba, 
was produced in this county, where there are now many thousands on thousands of acres 
of wild hanunoek suited to its production. The coucullivation of tobacco docs not con- 
flict with the cultivation of other crops, but it is almost impossible to strip the fodder from 
a full crop of corn without neglecting the tobacct). "Five hundred pounds of speckled to- 
bacco is a good average ])er acre. ' . 

1 believe there is not a vineyard in the county; hut a , ■jingle scuppernong vine in the 
neighborhood is rejiorti'd to have produced twenty-five or thirty bushels of grapes last 
year. Wild grajies are at home in Wakulla. Broad a<-res of wild hammock and "scrub" 



25 

lamls are clad with vigoi-ous vines, briraminc; witli clusters of oTapos, larg-o and luscious, 
and the suj)erabundance and great variety of wild grapes of a superior quality, and the 
wonderful production of scuppernong vines, are indications amounting almost unto a dem- 
onstration, that the climate and soil of Wakulla are admirably adapted to the production 
of grapes generally. 

Your i)amphlet, Mr. Adams, is worth more to Florida than your salary, and Floridians 
and immigrants to Florida will not be slow in acknowledging their obligations to you for 
the invaluable developments therein. The demand for your pamphlet is very great right 
here in Wakulla coimty. 1 could wish that tlie State was "sowed down" with it. It will 
do great good anyhow. Men of gravity and Avisdom, and verdant men, wlio never planted 
a fig nor grape cutting, having heard of the astonishing productions of wine, raisins, figs, 
itc, as promulgated in your pamphlet, are now calling for cuttings. 

Along the line of railroad from Tallahassee to St. Marks, tons on tons of lime could lie 
Imrned at a relativelj' nominal expense. 

Fisheries are established all along the gulf coast, and from more than one of them T 
have seen one hundred barrels (two hundred and fifty mullet to the Ijarrel) of mullet caj)- 
lured at a haul, with a seine not exceeding two hundred yards in length, and manned by 
less than a dozen men. Mullet are worth teil dollars per barrel on the beach. Think of 
it ! One thousand dollars at a haul. Mullet rim" in fishermen's phrase, in schools near 
the shore from the first of October to the first of December, and ten or twelve hands, with 
seine and boat, can capture five hundred to one thousand barrels within the brief period 
of eight weeks. About one-half the mullet have yellow roe, which are in great demand 
at a higher price per barrel than the mullet. Headless mullet only are packed ; and mul- 
let heads, by boiling, yield an oil equal to lard for frying fish, and superior to anj- other 
grease for leather. The entire gulf coast is ridged with oysters. 

The Newport Sulphur Springs are Avorthy of consideration. Before the war, scores of 
invalids resorted to these waters, many of whomAvere entirely restored to health long lost, 
and many more were greatly improA'cd. These Avaters are preventi\'e of debility, the 
forerunner of dropsy, and of physical disorganizations generally' ; and curative of dyspep- 
sia, rheumatism, neuralgia, etc. 

There are some interesting places for sale in the vicinity of these famous springs, and 
those Avho may desire to take a look at them are directed to D.aniel Ladd, a pioneer to 
Florida, and one of the most enterprising and useful citizens in the county. Mr. Ladd re- 
sides at Newport. The Wakulla Spring has a puft' (good one, too,) in your pamphlet, and 
yet another spring in Wakulla county is remai-kable for its medicinal virtues — a chalybeate 
spring, ten miles from Crawford ville, near Major James W. Smith's residence, in clear 
sight of the gulf. The waters of this spring is said to be a panacea for chronic diarrhoea. 

And noAv, Mr. Adams, in considei-ation of the inducements briefly itemized in this run- 
ning communication, some of which are the intrinsic value of the native lands, of their re- 
latiA'e cheapness, supplies of timber, muck, and marl, and mills, the cheapness of labor, 
accessibility of immediate and remote markets, proximity to the Capital, juxtaposition 
with the precious treasm-es of fish and oysters ; and sea breezes, health, schools, churches, 
societies, ciAil and social, Wakulla county fills the emigrant's bill. 

Last, not least, I am personally acquainted with every Avhite man in the county, and 
there is not a more law-abiding and Union-loving people in any county of any State in the 
Union or out of it, than the white people of Wakulla. There are citizens who reside near 
Crawfordville, in the same immediate neighborhood, avIio fought bravely on both sides 
during the late war, others Avho refused unto the bitter end to fight on either side, others, 
still, who Avere persecuted and imprisoned for their supposed devotion to the Federal flag, 
all living in peace and harmony. I can see no reason Avhy a Northern man should not feel 
at home in Wakulla county. All upright and honorable immigrants Avho may come to thi:^ 
county for the purpose of making it their homes, and of assisting in the development of its 
resources, Avill receive the most fa\'orable consideration from the citizens generally. 1 
liave made it my business to inquire of the leading citizens in every section of the county 
as to how they would receive honorable immigrants from the Northern States, and all re- 
l)ort that they are willing and waiting to extend to all such immigrants the right hand of 
fellowshii). Yours, &c., JNO. L. CRAWFORr*. 

GADSDEN COUNTY. 

(condensed ¥110U A REPORT TO THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.) 

Thi.s county is a northern county, between the Georgia line on the north and Liberty 
county on the south, and between the Ocklockonee and Apalachicola rivers, its centre be- 
ing in latitude 30.30 north. The surface of the whole county is someAvhat undulating and 
broken, exhibiting frequent hills and vales, and running streams, and gives a variety of 
scenery larger than is found on the ocean or gulf coasts. The soil is of excellent quality, 
generally based upon a strong red clay which often crops out upon the surface. In the 



26 

best pine, and the oak and hickory lands, this clay subsoil very generallj' exists within one 
or two feet from the surface, and probably on this account such lands have an unusual per- 
manence of fertility, and a longer continued responsiveness to fertilization than is common. 
The hammock lands, where the subsoil is more remote, are of a lighter character, and 
though perhaps more productive at first, are not as lasting. There is less waste and un- 
cultivable land in this county than in almost any county in the State. 

Clay, muck, and mud abound tliroughout the county, giving ample assurance of unfailing 
supplies of natui-al fertilizers, and the value of these resources is now only beginning to 
be appreciated. 

The forest growth is of great variety, but the j'ellow and pitch pine, suitable for fenc- 
ing and milling purposes, very largely prevail. The oak ridges furnish the finest supply 
of red and black oak, post oak, hickory and dogwood, and the hammocks abound in the 
white, Spanish and basket oak, beach, magnolia, bay, walnut and cherry, and almost every 
other description of forest-growth that can be named. Tlie pine forests, besides furnish- 
ing an ample supply of fencing and building material, affords fine summer pasturage for 
the live stock, and the hammocks and branches are equally beneficial in that respect in the 
winter. 

Owing to the undulating surface of the country, the lands in this county were never 
very attractive to that class of immigrants known as large "cotton planters," and hence 
the county was settled up by men of moderate means and of industrious habits. This cir- 
cumstance has stamped upon the population more the character of "farmers" than of "plan- 
ters." With this characteristic they liave always produced their own supplies of provis- 
ions ; and prior to the close of the late war, it was a matter of rare occurrence, that either 
meat or bread was imported from abroad. The same spirit of independence is still obser- 
vable in the tone and bearing of the agricultural popidation of the county, and though 
cramped in their present means, and suffering under the great change whicli has so sud- 
denly and unexpectedly occurred in the system of labor, it is a cheering augury, that they 
are rapidly conforming to their altered circumstances, and fast returning to tlieir former 
thrift. In a word, the soil, climate, and habits of the population afford all the essential 
elements of a successful farming community. 

From a pretty thorough knowledge of the average productiveness of the soil, tlie com- 
mittee are of opinion that to the number of acres planted in cotton, no portion of the State 
can give a more satisfactory result. And it may be noted that of the amount produced, 
the Sea Island, or long staple, has always entered very largely into the aggregate. Such 
was the case before the war, and the indications of the growing crop show that there has 
been no change in that respect. The experience of our planters has fully demonstrated 
the fact, that the larger portion of our planting lands are admirably adapted to the pro- 
duction of tliis valuable species of cotton, and that from carefully selected seed, a fibre is 
produced, which for fineness, lengtli and strength is not excelled by that produced in any 
other section of the State. 

But the most distinguishing trait in the agriculture of Gadsden county prior to the war, 
was the great attention which was given to the cultivation of the Cuba tobacco. This cul- 
ture was inaugurated by a worthy gentleman by the name of John Smith, wlio emigrated 
from Virginia and settled in the vicinity of Quiucy about the year 1829. His extraordin- 
ary success soon induced otliers to go into the culture, and in the course of a few years, 
the Cuba tobacco became a staple product of the county, second only, if at all, to cotton. 
For a number of years immediately preceding the war, the production of this staple within 
the limits of the county averaged from three to four thousand boxes of four hundred pounds 
each annually, and readily commanded on the plantations, in cash, from twenty-five to fifty 
cents per pound. The purchases were generally made by agents of German houses, sent 
out from New York and Bremen. 

The pindar or ground-nut has always been successfully cultivated in this county, but 
only as food for swine. Tlie tediousness of gathering, and the fact that the gathering sea- 
son comes on at a time wlien we are most closely pressed by the picking of cotton, has 
heretofore prevented it from being adopted as a market crop. There is no doubt, however, 
that if made a specialty, and resort be liad to improved implements for gathering, it could 
be made one of the most remunerative crops that could be grown. The results in the State 
of North Carolina fully attest ihv. correctness of this opinion, and in point of soil and cli- 
mate we certainly have the advantage. But (Jadsden county does not rely alone upon her 
"field crops" for restoration to her former prosperity. A new business has been recently 
inaugurated, that of "gardening," and if tlie experiments of tlie past season afford any in- 
dication of tlie future, she has in tliat enterprise a most flattering promise of succes,s. One 
of the first shipments of garden peas tliat reached New York the past season was sent 
from the vicinity of Quincy, and tlie remuneration is well calculated to excite and stimu- 
late the enterprise of our citizens the coming season. On tlie same parallel with the cities 
of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, with a soil far superior in productiveness, and with di- 
rect and speedy railroad communication, there is no reason why this county may not enter 



into successful compotition in tliis line of business. It is an cstablisheil fact, that cabbap* 
and all the root crops are raised in as high perfection in Florida as iu any part of the Uni- 
ted States, and a further advantage is that all these products, with the exception of the 
Irish potato, may be permitted to remain in the ground during the entire winter, without 
suffering any material injury from the cold. It is also an established fact, demonstrated 
by actual shipments made during the past season, that vegetables shipped by railroad from 
Quincy have been delivered in New York on the fourth day after being started. 

The public have been educated to believe that the successful raising of the orange is 
confined exclusively to the banks of the river St. Johns, (the admitted pride of our State,) 
and to the country adjacent thereto ; but it requires only a visit to the Apalachicola river, 
the western boundary of Gadsden county, to dispel the illusion. The largest and finest 
orano-es that the committee has ever seen or tasted, were raised on the banks of that river. 
The sameness of latitude, and the great superiority of soil, gives to that locality advan- 
tages which cannot be ignored. Since the close of the war great attention is being paid 
to the planting of the sweet orange and to the improvement and extension of the groves 
heretofore inaugurated, and the committee are credibly informed, that within the last four 
months, five thousand dollars in cash have been refused for a grove of one acre in extent. 
It is within their knowledge that many individuals are now engaged in extending the cul- 
ture of the sweet orange on the banks of that river, and it is a fact worthy of being noted, 
that the insect heretofore so destructive to the groves in other sections of the State, liave 
never been known to infest the trees in that locality. This may be accounted for from the 
fact that the soil is of unsurpassed fertility, which keeps the trees in a healthy and grow- 
ing condition and renders them invulnerable to the attacks of the much dreaded enemy. 
The river communication with Columbus, Georgia, affords an ample outlet for all the or- 
anges that can be grown on the banks of the Apalachicola river. 

Another source to which we look with confidence for a restoration to our former pros- 
peritj", is the cultivation of the Scuppernong grape. This is no im tried experiment in this 
county. The neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant, situated about twelve miles west of Quincy, 
has been engaged in the cultivation of this grape for many years, and now produces a wine 
which is pronounced by good judges to be equal to the best of the California productions, 
and far superior to the great bulk of foreign importations, which are imposed upon us as 
the pure juice of the grape. Our people are now aroused upon the subject, and in the 
course of a few years Gadsden county will be as celebrated for the productions of wine as 
she has heretofore been for that of the Cuba tobacco. 

Of the provision crops, the Indian corn, or maize, is the great staple, and is chiefly re- 
lied upon as food both for man and beast. In consequence of the great length of our sum- 
mers, the climate is not as propitious for the production of a large yield as in more north- 
ern latitudes ; there is no deficiency in the size of the ear, but for the reason above stated, 
greater distance has to be given to the stalks to guard against the firing of the leaves, and 
hence there is a diminution of the number of hills to the acre. Upon the lands usually 
appropriated to the production of this cereal, (unless it has become greatlj^ exhausted,) 
from twelve to fifteen bushels to the acre is considered a good average crop, though upon 
first-rate bottom lands, from forty to sixty bushels are not unfrequently realized. 

Next to the corn come the various varieties of the sweet potato. It is food for both 
man and beast, and is esteemed of great value on every well regulated plantation or farm, 
as affording great relief to the exactions upon the corn crib. It is of easy production, re- 
quiring less work than any other crop, and the j-ield is greater than that of any other crop 
planted. When properly attended to, and upon suitable soil, from two to three himdred 
bushels to the acre may be confidently relied upon. The sweet potato may be propagated 
by ])lanting short pieces of the vines as late as the month of August, after the cultivation 
(jf the cotton crop has been terminated, and with one plowing and propitious sea.sons, in- 
variably affords fine rooting for the hogs in the fall of the year. Indeed, the most of the 
pork made in the county is fattened in the potato fields. 

The cow, or field pea is another valuable auxiliary to the provision crop. It is esteemed 
a siiie qua non by every judicious and provident planter, as it is the main reliance for fat- 
tening up the stock in the fall of the year. This crop requires no special appropriation of 
land for its production, as it may alwaj-s be planted between the hills or rows of corn, 
without interfering with the yield of the latter. Nor does it require any special or sepa- 
rate cultivation for its production. Upon fresh land, or when the soil is in good heart, it 
is invariably sowed broadcast and ploughed in at the last ploughing of the corn, and re- 
ceives no further attention as to tillage. "Where the soil is somewhat exhausted, it is best 
to plant it in hills or drills on each side of the rows of corn at the second ploughing, and 
this gives it a working when the corn is to be laid by. Rice is also cultivated in sufficient 
abundance for domestic consumption, and the straw is very highly prized as forage, being 
far preferable to that of oats or rye. This grain flourishes finely in this climate, and as it 
delights in moisture, is usually cultivated on lands which are too wet for cotton and corn. 

The soil and climate uf this county is welj adapted to the production of oats and rye. 



28 

Both of these grains have always been cultivated with success, and the former, especially, 
is much relied upon for the supitort of the plough team. Upon the clay soils, wheat has 
been tried with satisfactory results, but in consequence of the lack of flouring mills, has 
never been relied upon as a crop, except by a few. Witii proper facilities to convert the 
grain into good flour, a stimulus would be given to the i)roduction of this valuable grain, 
which would soon render the citizens of the county entirely independent on that score. 

Sugar cane is also a staple provision crop, is of easy culture, grows luxuriantly on good 
land, and the process of converting it into sugar and syrup is so simple that but little ex- 
perience is required to produce a good article. Except in a few instances, it has never 
been cultivated as a market crop, but it is of rare occurrence that any plantation does not 
produce an abundant supply for domestic use. 

I.ONG FORAGE GRASSES AND PASTURAGE. 

The blade of the Indian corn is the chief reliance for foraging the horses and cattle of 
the plantation, though large quantities of hay are gathered on many plantations. The hay 
thus gathered costs only the labor of cutting and curing. The grass from which it is made (the 
"crab" and "crow foot") is a spontaneous growth, which vegetates after the crop of corn 
has received the last ploughing, or the oats or rye have been harvested. The hay from 
these grasses is soft and pliable, very nutritious, and equal to any imported article. Any 
land broken up in the spring, and well harrowed, will produce from one to three tons of 
hay to the acre, and may be cut twice and often thrice during the summer and fall. What 
is true of C4adsden county equally applies to every part of Florida. Our theoretical agri- 
culturists have long racked their brains and exhausted inquiry, to discover a grass fully 
adapted to the soil and climate of the South, while we have at our very doors, and as pests 
to our cultivated crops, two grasses, either of which is fully etjual to tlie velvety "blue 
grass" of Kentucky, and far superior to the harsh "Timothy" of the north for haying pur- 
poses. 

Under the stimulus which is being given by the establishment of agricultural associa- 
tions to the develpment of new ideas, the day is not distant when the shipment of hay to 
the South will be about as profitable as "carrying coals to Ne\Y Castle." 

We have never suffered any inconvenience from the lack of pasturage. The grasses be- 
fore mentioned afford an abundant supply during the summer and fall, and the fields from 
which the provision crops have been saved, together with thereed branches, which abound 
in every part of the county, afford a sufficiency for winter and spring. It is found by ac- 
tual experience that the summer pasturage is greatly improved by breaking up and hai'- 
rowing the soil previous to the springing of the grass. This stimulates the growth and 
serves to keep down the weeds. 

FRUITS AND BERRIES. 

The peach and fig are among our most common fruits, and are produced in great perfec- 
tion. But little attention has heretofore been given to the raising of the apple and the 
pear ; but enough has been done to prove that there is no lack of adaptation in either soil 
or climate. Increased attention is now being paid to the introduction of a greater variety 
of fruits, and we are confident that in the course of a few years, apples, pears, and cherries 
will be as common as peaches. 

The smaller fruits or berries, such as the straw and raspberries, are also cultivated to 
great perfection, and the dew and blackberry grow spontaneously and in great abundance 
in every part of the county. Indeed, we see no reason why the cranberry, the gooseberry, 
and the currant may not be cultivated with equal success, and we confidently look forward 
to the time, not far distant, M'hen these delicious and highly prized fruits will be abun- 
dantly supplied. 

(TJMATE AND SOIL. 

The climate of this county, and indeed of the entire State, is far more ecpiable than is to 
be found in higher latiuides. Your committee are not jirepared to give the average range 
of the thermometer throughout the year, but they confidently assert that while the forma- 
tion of ice is of comparative rare occurrence, the maximum of heat is far below that ex- 
perienced in New York, Ohio, and the New England States. Your committee have no re- 
collection of ever having seen the thermometer rise to 100 degrees. The attention of one 
of the committee was especially called to'this matter by the rei)orts from those States dur- 
ing the present season, and at no time did either of three instruments consulted, register 
above 99 degrees, and that only on one day. It is true that our warm weather extends 
over a much longer period of time than in the States farther north, but the intensitj' of the 
heat is never so great as with them, and we are entirely exempted from the sultriness of 
utmosiihero to wliich they are subjected, Even in what is esteemed the "heated term," 
we are always relieved during some portion of the day, and almost invariably at night, by 
the cooling influence of refreshing breezes. This is doubtless attributed to our geographi- 
cal position, whicl} giyos us the advantage of both the Atlantic md Gulf influences, Aa 



20 

apprt)priiil('. to \\\o subji'ct. now umUir considoriition. it is a fact worthy of note, that so far 
as your coiiiiuittco are iiifoniicd, a caso of "sun-stroke" has nnver occurred in the countv, 
nor has an instance of "Ilahics" or "lIydro]ihol)ia" ever been known. 

To our goograjihical jxisiflon may also be attributed the "dry" aiul "wet" seasons. It 
is true that we occasionally suffer from droui^ht, and sometimes from excess of rain, but 
these occurrences arc not [>ei'iodi(;al, and cannot be anticipated with any decree of certain- 
ty. It is seldom that the crrowina,- crops are very materially injured by citlier the one or 
the othei'. 

JAC^KSOX COUXTY. 

Is bounded on tlu^ nortii by the Alabama line, on the east by the Chattahoochee and 
Apalacliicola rivers, on the south by Washington and Calhoun counties ; embracing an 
area of thirty or more townships of land, diversified and varied in quality by location ; 
somewhat undulating, trending to the water-shed, being about thirty miles from east to 
west, and forty from north to south. The arable lands have a substratum of lime at va- 
rious dej)tlis from the surfiice, and are classed as swamp, hammock and ))ine; forming an 
indistinctly defined line from tlie stream of water as indicated by name outwardly. The 
swnmp is wet, and subject, to some extent, to overflow ; soil alluvial ; heavily timbered 
witli gum, oak, magnolia, beech, and bay. Hammock dry; soil loam, with red cla^', sand 
and lime ill various proportions; timbered as the swamp, except the gum and bay; these 
lands are stiff and require heavier cultivation. They are considered iutermetliate between 
the swamp and pine. The pine lands are light, easily cultivated and desirable ; soil, loam, 
sand and lime; timbered with long-leafed pine, with oik runner, hickory, buckeye and 
))apaw undergrowtli. Lime is an ingredient in all these, also in lands of dissimilar char- 
acteristics though of the same nature and class not described, to which all are mainly in- 
debted for their fertility and long endurance. Coarse sand abounds in the soil of some of 
the lands with the s.ame substrata, but they do not yield well without extensive culture. 
The lands are level, though the surface is formed so as to prevent the accunudation of stag- 
nant water or large open ponds without oiitlet. 

The Chipola river rises in several large springs in Alabama, flows south nearly through 
the centre of the county, and enqjties into the Apalachicola river, or what is known as the 
"Dead Lakes." This is the main drain or water-shed of the county, except on northwest, 
west, and southwest, the water of whicli flows west and southwest into Choctawhatchie 
river to St. Andrew's bay. The former I'iver is navigable for boats carrying two hundred 
bales of cotton, and is susceptible of steam navigation by a moderate outlay. The eastern 
portion of the county is furnished with facilities of transportation by the rivers, forming 
a boundary line. Drinking water is obtained from wells at various depths and is more or 
less impregnated Avith lime, as some large springs tind vent to the surface through fissures 
in limestone. "Water is obtained in some localities on and near the surface, which is nujre 
or less divested of lime. Wood is abundant and easy of acce.ss for any and all purposes. 
A lime rock or stone is found in many places near the surface, which is used for building 
chimneys, miderpinning houses, furnaces, ect.; it is easily worked. 

The atmosphere is more or less humid from the fact of the close proximity to the Gulf 
of Mexico, which is fifty miles distant, and the same cause gives rise to the diurnal changes, 
especially in the summer months. The summers are long, with the thermometer occasion- 
ally as high as ninety-si.x degrees ; the nights, however, are cool and jjleasant. In winter 
the thermometer recedes as low as eighteen degrees, usually about forty degrees Fahren- 
heit. The soil is generous and yields readily to the growth of any of the cereals except 
wheat and rj-e, which are uncertain. Cotton, sugar cane and tobacco are relied upon for 
exportation, to which may be added the pea-nut, palma-christi, and other })roduetions sui- 
table to the climate. All kinds of vegetables, except those requiring a low temperature, 
yield abundantlj?. The small fruits may also be raised with success. The apple and pear 
sometimes fruit well, but the climate is not congenial. The orange grows vigorously, and 
though above its proper limits, occasionally j-ields a full crop, which is equalin flavor and 
excellence to those of Cuba. The peach grows well and fruits abundantly of fine size and 
flavor. The scupernong grape is in its true element, and excellent wine is annually made 
from its fruit, which elicited high connnendations from connoisseurs, and created an inter- 
est in its cultivation that will lead to the most promising results. The only care necessa- 
ry to raise cattle and hogs to any extent is to provide against casicnltifs; the climate being 
so mild as to relieve from the necessity of shelter and providing food during the winter. 

The most desirable lands have been entered or titles otherwise acquired. The price, 
however, is so small comparatively, that inunigrants would prefer lands cleared with more 
or less inqjrovemeut. The western and southwestern portions of the county are sparsely 
settled — heretofore being a cattle range. It is heavily timbered with pine, and abounding 
in nutritious natural grasses. 

The health of the coimtry diff'ers but little from other parts of the State in the same lati- 
tude, Not a few peoi)le have attained a gre!|,t age, and specivnens to the "manor born" are 



30 

as well developed as in any country. The prominent syintom o' disease is fever ; but it 
yields readily to medicine, personal care, and circumspection 

Owing to isolation the country has not been settled as rapidly as some portions of the 
State of far less merit in every desirable essential, except facility of communication by 
rail, but this advantage is promised to be overcome soon by an extension from Quincy to 
Pensacola. 

Now is the time for persons desirous of acquiring a new home to visit this country. 
Lands can be bought cheai)er than at any subsequent period. The people are well dis- 
)>osed, kind and hosiiitable, and would gladly welcome good and industrious people, come 
from where they maj'. 

CLAY COUNTY. 

Your letter of the 16th instant has been received, and I hasten to give you a description 
of Clay county and its products. It is about twenty-eight miles from north to south, and 
twenty-two miles from east to west. The surface is generally level ; the highest part is on 
the west side, near Kingsbey's Lake. The county is well watered ; ^-ood water is easily 
procured by digging. There are ten or more good mill sites on the different streams in 
the county. It is healthy, with the exception of two or three locations, and they are con- 
fined to a small tract each. The court house is at Green Cove Springs, on the St. 
Johns river. There is a good school house within a quarter of a mile of Webster, 
and a good church within about a mile and a half of the same. There are four or five 
merchants selling goods in the county. There is one steam mill in operation. There are 
about four hundred voters in the county. About three-eighths of the land is third rate 
jiine, three-eighths second rate, and two-eighths first rate pine, including small pieces of 
second and third rate hammock, with a small portion of first rate hammock. Hard wood 
growth characterizes the hammock land. Several kinds of oak, hickory, dogwood, bass- 
wood, maple, ash, mulberry, iron wood, poplar, blue beech, black and white gum, red and 
white bay, magnolia, and elm abound. The lakes, ponds and streams are pretty well 
.stocked with fish and the woods Avith game. The climate is mild and generally pleasant. 
Lands sell at from fifty cents to twenty dollars per acre ; very little vselling at the latter 
price. 

Homesteads can still be entered at prices stipulated in the Homestead Act. Yellow pine 
lumber is worth from eighteen to twenty dollars per thousand. Wages for labor, ten to 
twelve dollars per month on the plantations ; for lumbering, eighteen to twenty-five dol- 
lars ; driving teams, twenty-five and thirty dollars and board found. 

Access to market. Head of navigation for steamboats on Black Creek is near the cen- 
tre of the county ; St. Johns river on the east side, and on the west side the railroad from 
Fernandina to Cedar Keys. Roads through the county are generally in good order. The 
lumber is mostly cut oft' within two miles of rafting water. Cost of clearing land varies 
from five to twelve dollars per acre. Cost of building a comfortable log house, from sev- 
enty-five to one hundred and fifty dollars. Framed houses from five hundred to two thou- 
sand dollars and upwards. If lands are manned and well cultivated, they will produce, 
with an average season, twelve to twenty bushels of corn to the acre ; of long staple cot- 
ton, one hundred and fifty to three hundred lbs. of ginned cotton, and four to six hundred 
lbs. of short staple to the acre ; sweet potatoes, one hundred and fifty to two hundred and 
fifty bushels to the acre ; four to six barrels of sugar to the acre. Very little tobacco is 
raised in this county, but where it is planted, the growth and quality compares well with 
other crops in other parts of the State. Grapes are very little cultivated in this county ; 
where they are, they appear to compare well with other sections of the State. Garden 
vegetables, with few exceptions, grow well here in winter. Vines of all kinds do well 
here early in the spring and the fore part of summer. Rice produces well on the low 
grounds — from twenty to thirty bushels to the acre. Peach orchards on the clay grounds 
do well, the quality and quantity compare well with any part of the State. Sweet, sour, 
and bitter-sweet oranges grow well where they have been cultivated. Plums of various 
kinds produce well in this county. Turpentine plantations will do well near the naviga- 
ble streams where transportation is cheap. The county is healthy for stock of all kinds. 
Poultry of all sorts do well. Blackberries, whortleberries, and mulberries are found in 
abundance in the woods and fields. Arrow-root, cassava, and tanyas produce well in this 
county. Irish potatoes grow well on our hammock lands, and average one hundred and 
fifty bushels to the acre. The people of Clay county, with few exceptions, are friendly to 
new comers. I am, very respectfully, yours, O. BUDDINGTON. 

SUWANNEE COUNTY. 

Suwannee county occupies geographically nearly a central position in the State, nearly 
surrounded by the Suwannee river, being bounded by it on the north, west, and south 
nearly. 



31 

This peninsula, geolog-ically, is in the tertiary formation, resting on wliat is called the 
bottom limestone. In many places in the undulating surface of Suwannee county, lime- 
stone crops out, from which quantities of good lime have been burned. 

This part of Florida is comparatively a new country. During the war with the Semin- 
ole Indians, the pioneer settlers, "like angels' visits, were few and far between." Agricul- 
tural implements were, as in most new countries, of the rudest kind, and farming opera- 
tions were performed in a careless manner; yet, such is the natural fertility of the soil, 
that its adaptation, in this genial climate, to the growth of cotton, (principally long staple,) 
sugar cane, Indian corn, oats, rye, sweet potatoes, ground peas, or pea-nuts, (the crops 
mostly cultivated heretofore in this part of the State,) that the planters were successful, 
and accumulated fortunes without the use of any fertilizers whatever, under the former 
system of labor. Considering the above, what would be the result of careful, iinproved, 
scientific cultivation. 

From recent experiments at market gardening, we are satisfied that vegetables of almost 
every kind can be successfully grown here, and so early as to be put on the Northern 
market long before they can be produced there. Cucumbers and tomatoes can, with care, 
be made ready to ship by the first of Maj-. Melons are produced here to great perfection, 
and with proper care, can be ready for shipment by the first of June. 

Fruit culture in this part of the State has been heretofore greatly neglected. Peaches 
grow well, and of a size and flavor that cannot be surpassed anywhere. The trees are 
healthy, and the crop annually almost certain. Quinces are of good size and flavor. The 
different varieties of the fig (Figus carico) grow here to great perfection, and it is, as we 
think, a wholesome fruit, quite a luxury both in a green and dried state, and its multipli- 
cation in Florida caimot fail to be fraught with great advantage. It will grow well upon 
the poorer and drier soils, provided it is sheltered, and can be propagated with great ease, 
growing well from cuttings. And such is the goodness and abundance of its fruits and the 
number of its varieties, that it may be grown here, as in parts of Southern Europe, in so 
great an abundance, that it may become the "providence of tlie poor." 

Semi-tropical fruits can, with care, be grown here. There are orange trees in this neigh- 
borhood which have been bearing good fruit for some years past ; also, the shaddock, of 
fine, large size. We are more exjjosed to frost than On the St. Johns, or on the southern 
coast districts, and sometimes the young trees are killed by the frost. Old trees and ripe, 
or well matured wood of the orange tree successfully resists the effects of frost. 

Grapes. Florida is certainly the home of the Scuppernong grape. It grows and pro- 
duces with certainty, annually, fine crops of fruit of the best quality, and both vine and 
fruit have so far been entirely free from any disease whatever, or depredations from insects. 
We think the Scuppernong should be extensively planted for a certain and reliable crop. 
Last winter the writer planted at Welborn, nearl}' one thousand grape vines ; about half 
were rooted vines, of one year's growth, and the balance cuttings. The varieties, "Ca- 
tawba and Isabella." Half were planted on hammock soil, and the other half on pine land ; 
top soil from a rich hammock was hauled and filled in with those planted on pine land. 
The vines grew nearly one hundred per cent, more than they do in one season in the 
Western States. 

So far as we are advised, the cultivation of the Catawba and other varieties of grape for 
wine in the States, has not as yet been fairly tested. It is the opinion of the writer that 
the celebrated "Mission Grape," which has been so successful!} cultivated for wine in Cali- 
fornia, should be procured and extensivelj^ planted in Florida, from the fact that in manj' 
places the Catawba, (our best wine grape,) for the last few years has been much injured 
by mildew. There are five varieties of grapes, which, by experiment carefully made by 
B. N. Bugbey, of Natoma Vineyard, El Dorado county, California, have been selected 
from many other varieties as the ■very best for future cultivation, valuing them in the or- 
der named, the first being the best, viz: Black Zinfindel, Red Traminer, White Malaga, 
Verdelho, and Los Angeles. By planting those varieties of the vine best adapted to the 
climate and soil of Florida, we have no doubt but grape growing will prove very profita- 
ble. In the rich hannnocks the wild grape vines grow to great size, reacliing to the tops 
of the tallest trees. 

In the greater portion of this county good water is obtained in wells of reasonable depth, 
and on the borders of hammocks are some very good sjirings of i>ure, clear water ; and 
strange as it may be thought by parties from mountain districts, there is in tiiis vicinity 
good and permanent water power; beautiful and clear streams, running from lake to lake, 
furnishing fall sufficient for good mills. 

The lands of this county are rich in their su})plies of timber, the i)ine forest furnishing 
almost inexhaustible stores of pine for lumber of the best quality, the moist, extensive, 
rich, dry hammock lands furnishing large, fine white oak, water oak, sweet gum, magnolia, 
hickory, red bay, or American mahogany, bass wood, and many other kinds of timber of 
value. The low, rich hammock land, which is susceptible of draining, and thus being re- 
claimed, contains a vast amount of valuable timber, such as white bay, <fec. Most of such 



lands belong to tlie State, and are for sale at one dolhir and twenty-live eents per acre, 
wliieh, if reclaimed, would be of inestimable value. 

A few days since we obtaineil a map from the Register of the V. S. Laud Office for 
Florida, with each and every forty-acre lot of land carefully marked in this townshij) : 
(No. 3, South R., No. 15 East,) in which there are sixty -nine lots of State land for sale at 
one dollar and twenty-tive cents per acre, and fifty-nine lots vacant U. S. land, subject lo 
entry under the homestead act. The remaining four hundi'ed and fortj-eiglit lots belong- 
to actual settlers, except the school sections and tliat part belonging to the Pensaeola and 
Georgia Railroad Companj-. "We give the above statement of the condition of one town- 
ship merely for illustration, that parties interested may see the facilities for obtaining lands 
in Florida, and we think the price of improved lands would range from one dollar and 
fifty cents to ten dollars per acre. 

Price of lumber is from ten to fifteen dollars per thousand at the mills. 1 cannot say 
that we have any well established price of labor. The freedmen, to a great extent, are 
indolent and not reliable. There is an increasing disposition among the citizens (I mean 
wliite people, of course) to do what work the_y can for themselves, and employ white labor 
as far as possible. 

I cannot advise you with regard to the cost of clearing, as there is but little being done. 
More lands are cleared now than can be cultivated with all the available labor at the com- 
mand of those who own the lands. Fences are rotting down ; inside fences being moved 
out to repair outside fences, tfec. Lands of the best cpiality, for want of caiiital to furnish 
implements, stock, pi'ovisions, labor, &c., are lying uncultivated, growing briers, weeds, 
ifec. With regard to the cost of building, I may say such cottages as are comfortable in 
this mild, warm climate, cost but a trifle comjjared to t lie cost of building in the Nortliern 
States. 

The disposition and bearing of the citizens of tliis community towards worthy strangers 
is, and ever has been, kind and hospitable. 

With my best wishes, I am your obedient servant, J. (IRANT. 

MADISOA^ COUXTY. 

150UXDAKIKS. 

The county of Madison is situated between the rivers Suwannee and Aucilla, and about 
one hundred and twenty miles west of Jacksonville, and sixty miles of Tallaliassee, the 
capital of the State, and is connected by rail with both places, and also by rail with Sa- 
vannah, Ga., distant two hundred miles. 

Madisonville is the county site, situated on the railroad, and about the centre of the 
county. 

It is bounded on the north by Georgia; east, b}^ Suwannee and Hamilton counties; 
south, by LaFayette and Taylor counties ; and west, by Jefferson county. Its population 
now is about 7,000 inhabitants; area, about eight hundred scpiare miles, or 512, 000 acres. 
Of this, about 240,000 acres are private property, held by titles from the United States 
and State governments. Many of these tracts are choice locations, selected on account of 
advantages of situation, richness of soil, grazing, and timber. 

PliODUCTlOXS. 

Corn and cotton have heretofore been the principal productions of this county. Before 
the war between the States, about 12,000 bales of cotton were exported, more than one- 
third of whicli was sea island, or the long staple variety. During 1807 less tlian O.ooo 
bales were sent to market. The falling shcn-t, attributed to the scarcity and unreliability 
of labor to cultivate crops requiring twelve months of constant att<'ntion and work, and 
the mischievous and erroneous policy, demoralizing those who, under otliei- circumstances, 
would be a well-behaved, orderly, and useful class of citizens, and which has only created 
discord between capital and labor, when the strongest feelings, motives, interests, and 
christian requirements are to live in peace and harmony, that all classes may prosper. 

For farm gardening for the earliest northern market, this county has equal advantages 
with any in the State, the lands being naturally adapted to such cultiu-e. Since the war, 
considerable cjuantities of early vegetables have been shipped, commanding in New York, 
Boston, and Philadelphia highly remunerative prices. Besides the staples of cotton, corn, 
sugar, upland rice, and sweet potatoes, Madison county lands alnmdantly produce Irish 
potatoes, peas, turnips, beets, cabl)age, onions, egg-plant, tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, celery, 
rhubarb, cauliflowers, radishes, watermelons, cantaloupes, cucumbers, beans, and squashes; 
in short, all the vegetables known in the Northern States, and manj' that will not grow 
there, and two months earlier than the latitude of New York. Many of these vegetables 
flourish during the winter months. 

Peaches anclfigs can he cultivated in the greatest abundance; also pomegranates, grapes, 
strawberries, plums, and with cheap and easy transportation of only six hours to Jackson- 



;J3 

ville, twelve to Savanusih, and less than one hundred hours to Now York, Philadelphia, 
or Baltimore. 

PROFITS OF FARM GARDENING. 

4 acres English Peas, harvesting 400 bushels, worth at depot $400 00 

;5 " Snap Beans, " 000 " " " 300 00 

3 " Cucumbers, " 125 barrels, " " 375 00 

r. " XutmegMelloiu^. " 200 " " " 300 00 

3 " Tomatoes, " 320 bushels. " " 820 00 

16 acres. $1,696 00 

The English peas, snap beans, and cucumbers are ready for market in April, and first 
weeks in Maj'. The melons and tomatoes in first weeks of May, June, and first weeks in 
July, without hotbeds. The greatest labor is picking or harvesting, they being mostly 
cultivated with the plough. 

If these sixteen acres are ploughed, harrowed well, and rolled by the fifteenth of July, 
there will spring up at once a strong crop of "crow foot",, and "crab grasses," which will 
mow in October at least one and a half tons of hay per acre, of a quality superior to any 
that is ever imported from the North, and will readily command one dollar per hundred 
pounds, equal to §480, tlie whole receipts of sixteen acres being $2,185. 

With the above can be raised a crop of ten acres of cane, making plough work of 26 
acres for one horse; the harvesting and making the cane not interfering with the farm gar- 
den crop. I't takes about the same labor to cultivate a sugar cane crop as it does for corn. 
For a farmer not cultivating more than five or ten acres of cane, the expense of an iron 
mill, boilers, and brick-work, house or shed, &c., would not cost to exceed four hundred 
dollars. To manufacture ten acres of cane would require the work of six men forty days ; 
one pair of mules, horses, or oxen at the mill, and another pair to haul the cane from the 
field. The profit of ten acres planted in cane, from actual experiment, omitting capital 
required for boilers, mill, troughs for crystalizing, houses for draining, teams, &c., is as 
follows : 

Dr. 10 days' work of team to break up land, $1.50 per day $15.00 

24,000 seed cane, at §10.00 per M 240.00 

15 days' work planting, at $1.00 15.00 

10 days' work with hoe 10.00 

15 days' worlc with cultivators and ploughs 22.50 

G men 40 days, equal to 240 days' work manufacturing, $1.00 240.00 

2 pair oxen 40 days, $3.00 per day 120.00 

Barrels, &c 60.50 

$723.00 
Cv. By 3,700 lbs. sugar per acre, 37,000 lbs., at 10c $3,700.00 

Showing a net profit of $2,977.00 

It is no uncommon thing to produce, bj' proper fertilizing, two thousand pounds of su- 
gar, and one hundred and seventy or two hundred gallons of syrup, equal to one thousand 
seven hundred pounds of sugar, or a total of three thousand seven hundred pounds of su- 
gar, of a superior quality, per acre. Sugar requires natural strong land, or well manured 
light land, the latter making a better quality of sugar. By properly manuring the ratoon, 
or cane springing up from the root, after the first crop from planting, it will yield nearly 
the same product for two or three years ; after that time, experience teaches it is best to 
remove the roots to other ground. It wUl be observed that after the first planting there 
i-< no more expense for seed cane. 

Estimates of other products, founded upon actual experience, showing the profits of 
Florida farming, could be made, demonstrating that there is more profit in the rich lands 
of Florida than any other State of the Republic ; but this seems unnecessary, for whoever 
is in earnest to better his situation ought to see for liimself, and any time while the cropa 
are growing, or being gathered, can be convinced bj^ ocular demonstration. 

FACILITIES FOR TRANSPORTATION. 

The Pensacola and Georgix Railroad runs through the middle of the county, affording 
daily facility and cheap transportation to Jacksonville, on the Atlantic, and to St. Marks, 
on the Gulf, or branching at Live Oak, forty miles east of Madison, to Savannah, Georgia. 
The Suwannee river affords good steamboat navigation to Cedar Keys on the Gulf, the 
western terminus of the Florida railroad, stretching across the Peninsula to Fernandina 
nu the Atlantic. JOHN WESTCOTT, President. 

Vice Presidente.— L. M. Beogs, R. H. Wii-Lard, H. Z. Akdis, B. F. Wardlaw, C. H. Smith, 

A. C. WmiXBa, SecretAry. 



;u 



COLUMB[A COUNTY. 

OEOGKAl'lIICAL I'OSITIO.N AXI) RAILROAD FA<. ILITIES. 

Lake City, the seat of justice of Columbia couutj, is sixty miles west of Jacksonville, 
on the St. Johns river, and is connected with the latter place by railroad, and Jacksonville 
has regular steamship communication with Savanna)) and Charleston, and arrangements 
are made for a steamship line direct to New Yoi'k. 

Lake City is also connected by rail, a distance of about eighty-live miles, with Fernan- 
dina on the Atlantic, with established steamship communication with Savannah, Charles- 
ton and New York. 

Lake City is also connected by railroad with Cpdar Keys on the Gulf of Mexico, which 
latter place has established steamship communication with Mobile and New Orleans. 

Lake City is also connected with St. Marks, on the Gulf, by railroad, which latter place 
has also established steamship communication with Mobile and New Orleans. 

Lake City is also connected by railroad with Tallahassee, the capital of the State. 

Lake City is also connected by railroad with Sfivannali, tlie commercial emporium of 
Georgia, a distance of about two hundred miles 

LA>;iis. 

The lands of t'olunibiii courily cnmprohcnd pretty iiincli .dl tlir vnricties of .^oil to be 
found in Florida. 

Hammock — Grey and bliu k. 

Pine lands of A^ery superior quality ; many of thein with clay cropping out to the surface. 

Oak and hickory lands of excellent quality. All these lands are highly productive in 
their natural state, and yield a munificent reward to the judicious husbandman for the la- 
bor and expense of manuring and fertilizing. 

They can be purchased at from one dollar twenty-fiA e cents, the government price, to 
five dollars per acre, according to the improvements. Thei=e low prices bring the lands of 
this county within the rench ol' men of limited means. 

T'ROnUCTIOXS. 

Tiie priucii)al cropti now raised upon these lands, are cotton, botli short and long staple, 
sugar cane, Indian corn, oats, i-ye, potatoes, Irish and sweet, pindars, corn-field peas, rice, 
<tc. But they will also produce tobacco of a fine quality, palma christi to perfection ; all 
varieties of the lurnip to peii'cction ; peaches of a superior quality; grapes, several varie- 
ties, to perfection ; oranges, sweet, sour, and bitter-sweet ; figs, vei-y fine ; apples, tolerable ; 
pears, tolerable: pomegranates, fine ; plums, very superior; strawberries, excellent; and , 
all the garden stufls to very great perlection, and in time for the early New York market. 

The lands of this county are rich in their supplies of timber for lumber and for naval 
stores. No country can offer greater inducements to tlio lumber men of Maine and tlie 
turpentine men of North Carolina. 

Besides this, nature has formed this county with peculiar adaptability foi- small farms — 
a system which our present character of labor compels us to adopt. 

in conclusion, it luay be stated that Columbia county is well watered, and for good 
health is not surpassed by any county in the State. 

The setting in of a decided current of immigration upon this county, and the strangers 
coming here almost every day to look at our lands, indicate a just and growing apprecia- 
tion of the iidvantnc;cs presentcil by this county. 

J. J. FINLEY, President A. I. A. 

LEON COUNTY. 

Leon covinty has heretofore been considered the heart of Florida. In point of popula- 
tion, wealth, and intelligence, it has alwiiys surpassed any county in the State. Georgia 
forms its northern boundary, and the rich county of Jefferson its eastern. The Ocklock- 
onee river separates it from the fine lands of Gadsden on the west, and Wakidla forms its 
southern line. With such surroundings, it is not surprising to find in this county the best 
lands in the State. Indeed, there arc no uplands in tlie southern >States that will surpass 
those of Leon. The extreme southern portion of the county is a light, sandy soil, with 
heavy pine growth, but the remaining portion, and by far the greater jiortion, consists of 
a fine, chocolate soil, supported find sustained by a imignificcnt clay subsoil, rendering the 
lands not only very productive, but extremely durable. Lands that were cleared some 
fifty years ago are still very productive, notwithstanding the little care given them in the 
way of cultivation, and the" entire absence of any manures or other fertilizers. 

The surface is soniewliPt undulating, particuhu'ly so, in locations where the best lands 



arc found. The county is well watered by large, lakes, pure streauis, unci splenelUl springs. 
The climate is delightful, the summer's heat being tempered by tlie winds from the Gulf 
coast. During the present summer the thermometer lias not ranged over 90, and very 
seldom reached that point. 

Our chief products have been short staple cotton and corn. Our lands, iVom their fer- 
tility and durability, are peculiai'ly adapted to the growth of cotton. Five hundred 
pounds of lint cotton have been often nuide from !in acre of land without the assistance of 
manure. 

Sugar cane grows maguiHcentl^', and is becoming a crop of importance. Rice will ma- 
ture two crops, and yields abundantly. Field peas, pindars, millet, .sol-ghum, bene, and 
(>alma christi are grown with entire success. Potatoes, both Irish and sweet, are st^mdard 
iTops, and the yield cannot be excelled in the South. 

Garden vegetables of all descriptions, grow in luxuriance and abundance. Our cab- 
liages, beets, onions, turnips, cfee., &c., cannot be surpassed. Melons grow to perfection. 
Peaches, apples, pears, tigs, plums, and pomegranates are among the fruits that are suc- 
cessfully raised. 

Grapes are receiving considerable attention of late. The Scuppernong grows to per- 
fection, and yields splendidly. Other varieties are now being tested Avitii every prospect 
of success. 

The price of laud varies from $5 to .";;;ir) per acre. Near Tallahassee, they are valued at 
$30. As an average, §10. , 

This county is accessible from all points by rail. Tallahassee, the capital, is situated 
near the centre of the county, upon higii. rolling lands. It is tlie centre of an educated 
and reliued society. Churches and scliool-houses abound throughout the countj', and the 
people, as a class, are intelligent, hospitable, and generous. 

Immigrants who come to cast their lot with us are warmly received, regardless of po- 
litical views. The labor of the county is good. 

In point of soil, climate, health, society, and profits, Leon county presents the most 
icmptiiig offer to immigrants of any in tlu; State, or, indeed, in the South. 

KSC'AMlilA COITNTY. 

That portion of Florida situated at the extreme west, is, on various aeeonnls, itii exceed- 
ingly interesting portion of the State. 

Somewhat isolated from the remainder of the State, the attractions which exist have 
been inadequately known, and tVom its remoteness there \cvy naturally arose a decided 
willingness in the minds of many of the inhabitants that the territory should be annexed 
to Alabama. Hence, during the annexation excitement of recent years, a disyosition to 
underrate the real value of Western Florida has been quite prevalent. 

But the present prospect, tlirough the completion of the railroad from Pensacola to New 
*;)rleans, to Selma, and to Jacksonville, which will eventually make Pcnsacola, with its al- 
most unequalled harbor, and its far-reaching railroad connections, the central point of the 
shortest line of communication between the moutli of the Mississippi and the Atlantic, 
and between the Mississippi upper valley and the Oulf, has very materially changed the 
aspect of things, and now tiie intrinsic value of West Florida begins to be fairly appre- 
ciated. 

The soil of this portion of Northei-n Florida is similar to that of the Eastern portion, 
but of decidedly better quality. Through the bays, rivers, and harbors in the vicinity of 
Pensacola. it is amply supplied with all facilities for ocean communication, and forms one 
of the best and most valuable timber regions in the world. 

But in the expectation of receivijig soon from resident citizens a detailed description of 
tiie extreme western counties, 1 will abstain for t!ie present from further description and 
simply add an article taken from the Pcnsacola Express: 

KYIDEXCE. 

At last some of our citizens art: awake to the importance of advertising anything they 
would wish to bring to the notice ot the public. And to do this effectually it requires a 
great deal more tact than people generally are aware of. It must be done in a liberal 
manner and in a style to attract attentio)i; if done in this way it trebly repays the outlay. 
The New City Company have at last made an effort in this direction, by issuing a neat 
])amphlet, with a maji of the surrounding country near Pensacola. The jiamjihlet gives a 
description of Pensacola and of the country. It says : 

"The city of Pensacola has natural advantages which destiiie it to become, by ra[)id 
strides, the Chicayo of ihv. iSouf/i. It, is situated on the north coast of the CJnlf of Mexico, 
in latitude 30 deg. 28 m. north, and longitude 8Y (leg. 22 m. west of Grecuwich, only ten 
rniles from the open sea. Its thoroughly land-lockctl harbor covers an area of <)ver twn 
hundred square miles^ being alxjut thirty miles long and from five to eight miles in width. 



86 

haTing unemrpassed anchorage and a depth of from thirty to thirty-five feet. The entrance 
to the harbor is about half a mile wide, with an average depth on the bar of twenty-four 
feet. Tlie eame depth is readily secured at the wharfage line of the city. A laden ship of 
the largest tonnage can approach the city at any time in the year, or leaving its wharf 
can be in the open sea in an hour and a half. 

"As a place of residence, Pensacola is attractive by a healthy and genial climate. It 
has an abundance of excellent pure water, and the regularly changing land and sea breezes 
make it a pleasant abode at all seasons. Its gardens afford flowers and fruit winter and 
summer. Most tropical plants grow there, and require but little protection from the cold 
in winter, wliilst all kinds of cereals and northern fruit yield early and abundant crops. 
The soil of the immediate vicinity is sandy and the drainage perfect. 

"The lands of the neighboring country are of the character known as swamp, hammock, 
and pine. The swamp lands are those lying on the Escambia and Perdido rivers and their 
tributaries, and are remarkable for their exhaustless fertility, those brouglit under cidti- 
vation yielding heavy crops of corn, cotton, rice, and sugar cane. The great body of these 
lands is covered with oak and cypress forest, ready to the hand of the great ship-building 
interests, which the progress of commerce will speedily foster. 

"The hammock lands are intermediate between the swamp and pine tracts. They afford 
the healthiest localities for settlements, and are easily cultivated, yielding abundant re- 
turns for the labor bestowed on them. 

"The pine lands have an exhaustless wealth of the best timber, whilst the herbage of the 
forest affords permanent pasturage for cattle, which require no shelter and very little care. 

"All these classes of lands are readily reclaimed for agricultural purposes, whilst the 
forest will for a century to come supply the growing export trade in timber. 

"The commerce of Pensacola has hitherto been limited to the export of Florida timber, 
brought down on the rivers and creeks emptying into its magnificent bay. Want of com- 
mnnication has been an impediment to its growth. But the completion, in the winter ot 
1870, of the Pensacola and Louisville railroad to its junction with tlic Mobile and Mont- 
gomery railroad, establishing a connecting link v:ith the entire railroad system North and 
west, must speedily lift Pensacola to the dignity of a first-class commercial city. By this 
link in the great chain of railroads, Pensacola is brought as near to Chicago as is New 
York. , 

"The best customers and consumers of the great grain and produce growing West live 
upon the shores of the Gulf, in the West Inciia islands, in Central and South America. 
The Pensacola route of transportation shortens the exchange of commodities between 
these markets and the teeminc West by thousands of miles and by many days, thus effect- 
ing .a double economy of time and cost of transportation. 

"A elanc« at the map will readily demonstrate the fact, so little known heretofore, that 
the distance from Chicago to Pensacola is only about nine hundred miJes. It will also 
show that, from Pensacola, the distance to Tampico is 900 miles ; to Havana, 620 miles ; to 
Mataanoras, SCO miles ; to Vera Oniz, 950 miles ; to Hausacnla, OoOmilea. The last named 
plac© is th© eastern port of the Isthmus of Tehauntepec. 

"No vessel has ever been driven ashore in any storm in the harbor of Pensacola, and no 
gale has produced a freshet. The rivers emptying into the bay are clear and free from 
alluvial deposit, and the depth of water on the anchorage ground, as well as on the bar, 
remains unaltered since the earliest Spanish surveys. 

"With the railway connection recently established and daily expanding, this magnifi- 
cent port becomes the most suitable outlet for the commerce of the entire Mississippi Val- 
ley. It has tliis great advantage over New Orleans, tliat it is close to the Gulf and not 
obfstructed in its commerce by a shifting and treacherous bar, causing costly delaj's to 
sliipping, and often upsetting the fairest calculation for commei'cial ])rofits. The vast ex- 
penditure in towage up and dov/n tlie river, to which the New Orleans shipping is subject- 
ed in reaching and leaving that inland port, is saved in Pensacola ; and is easily demon- 
strable that shippers in New Orleans can sjiip their cargoes more cheaply from the port of 
Pensacola than from their own levee. Still greater will be this economy wlieu the canals, 
now proposed and under survey, shall connect the Mississippi with Mobile Bay, Perdido 
Bay, and Pensacola Bay, permitting steamers to bring their upland cargoes directly to 
Pensacola and to lay them along side the sea-going vessels. 

"The splendid water-front of the city admits of running railway freight directly down 
on the wharves, and to load vessels immediately from the cars. The elevated bluffs on 
this water-front afford facilities for coal depots, from which vessels can be supplied through 
shutes, thus saving greatly in expense of handling. 

"Having thus brifly alluded to the physical features of the port, we will now examine 
the advantages of its relative position to other ports. 

"Taking Chicago as the initial or starting point, as being equall3^ distant from New 
York and Pensacola, railroad trains destined to each of the cities would arrive at th(^ 
destination wit}\in ^he same tifoe. The ono arriving at New York would have traveled 



over 900 miles, and would then be as far Xorth as wlieu it started tVoui Chicago, whereas 
the one arriving at Pcnsacola would have gone directly South 900 miles, thus saving that 
number of miles between the 'initial' point (Chicago) and any other point south of Pcnsa- 
cola. This distance, to be balanced by transit to and from New Yorl;:, is equal to a gain of 
six days in favor of Pensacola. 

"Take now the return cargoes, one via New York, and the other via Pensacola — say cof- 
fee, <fee., from Havana, distant from Pensacola 620 miles. The one by way of Pensacola 
would have reached its ultimate destination, and have been distributed, before tlie otlicr 
could possibly have reached New York. These remarks apply v.'ith equal force to all the 
cities and towns lying along and in connection with this great national artery of inter- 
communication, trade and commerce. 

"The Pensacola and Louisville railroad line and its connections, unlike those leading to 
the Atlantic ports, bisect the parallels of latitude of the United States, Ijence it must col- 
lect and transmit the productions of these different latitudes, consisting of wheat, flour, 
corn, pork, bacon, lard, cheese, bagging, rope, iron, lime, coal, and a great variety of in- 
dustrial products, such as furniture, clothing, machinery, implements, <fec., concentrating 
them all by one line at one single point of shipment, and giving tliat point the same ad- 
vantages to be offered to the shipping interests of the world that are now afforded at the 
said Atlantic ports through a hundred different channels at a vastly increased expense, 
both in time and money, and enabling ships desiring freights to any part of the world to 
make such selections as their interests or exigencies may require. 

"The commerce of the world will hereafter be carried on through the agency of steam, 
and will expand in the use of that agent just in the ratio in which fuel (coal) can be easily 
and cheaply obtained for that purpose. The coal beds of Alabama, estimated to cover 
between four and five thousand square miles of area, are intersected by this line of road, 
and from their contiguitv to Pensacola, must become the great source of supply for tlie 
steam marine and coaling stations of all points south of Pensacola. The coal now used for 
this purpose is principally brought from Great Britain, a distance of 3,000 miles. From 
tlie Alabama coal-beds to' Havana (which can be thus supplied) the distance is about 810 
miles, and coal from these mines can be placed on shipboard at Pensacola at .$4.75 per ton — 
the sea transportation is but 620 miles. These facts and figures guarantee that the day is 
not far distant when Pensacola must become the great coal depot of the Gulf, making an- 
nual shipments of millions of tons of this article, developing the resources and wealth of 
the country, and expanding into one of the first cities in the world. 

"The rapid development of the iron mines of Alabama, whose natural outlet to th'^ 
markets of the world is the port of Pensacola, will not only contribute a considerable 
quota to the commerce of this port, but will, in connection with the Florida forests, fur- 
nish superior material for ship-building, which, at no distant day, must rival in extent th*' 
similar industry of northern ports: the jiroximity and cheapness of all material required 
givina; builders in this locality peculiar advantage;;. 

"Theee brief remarks are addressed to the intelligent and enterprising young men 
throughout the United States, as an indication of the commercial inducements of Pensaco- 
la. They are not intended to portray an El Dorado, where ready-made fortunes fall into 
the lap of indolence. Success here, as elsewhere, follows thrift and industry, forethought 
and perseverance ; but tlie many opportunities of Pensacola for young men of energy and 
intellect to build up a splendid future are unsurpassed by tliose of any place in America, 
and unrivalled by those of any port on the southern coast. 

"The object of this publication is simply to arouse a spirit of inquiry and to induce the 
inquirer to mme and examine for himftelf the natural facilities of Pensacola, and the scojie 
there is for the application of capital, industry, and talent." 

Somewhat enthusiastic as the above may seem to those not acquainted with the locality, 
I venture the prediction that in 1880, Pensacola will contain 30 000 inhabitants. 

CENTRAL FLOHIDA. 

This division is made up of the territory lying between the parallels of 28 and 30 deg. 
N. latitude, and is composed of the counties of LnFayette, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Put- 
nam, Volusia, Orange, Sumter, Hernando, and the southern portions of Taylor, Clay, and 
St. Johns counties. 

The surface of this division is less broken, and, as a whole, more level than Northern 
Florida. It has more of savanna and marsh, and is bountifully supplied with v^^ater, hav- 
ing the Steinhatchie, Suwannee, Santa Fc, Withlacoochee, Crystal, Hillsboro,'Ocklav.'aha, 
and St. Johns rivers, and is profusely studded with]ionds, lakes, and smaller streams. 

The climate is very perceptibly milder, not only from its more southern geographical 
position, but the narrowness of the peninsula here, giving an average breadth between 
the ocean and the Gulf of only about ninety miles, exposes it to the daily sweep of the 



38 

winds from cither side, and by this meaus the extreuieri of both heat and cold are vcvj 
essentially modified and ameliorated. 

The exposure to daily winds from each side increases, also, the rain supply, so that this 
division has more frequent and abundant rains, and aufi'ers less from drought than the 
northern division. 

The soils of Central Florida are similar to those of Northern Florida, with a larger pro- 
j)ortion of hammock and savanna, and are perhaps of better quality, as a whole. Levy, 
flernando, Alachua, Marion, and Sumter counties, taken together, form a body of land 
that, for Tjroductive capacit}', is not excelled by any similar body in the United States. 

The staple crops are similar to those of Northern Florida, but the peculiar adaptability 
of this division to the cultivation of the sugar cane and all the semi-tropical fruits, ha.s 
caused cane to advance rapidly of late in the estimation of farmers, and within a imv 
years it will probabl}' become the leading agricultural production. The sugar cane in this 
division matures and perfects its seed ; it rattoons for six or eight years in succession with- 
out protection, and often attains a height of from ten to fifteen feet, even when grown for 
a number of years on the same land without manure. 

Particular attention is asked to the statistical return of crops in Hernando county, 
which is appended, and which, with other facts given, fully sustains the assertion that 
Central Florida is the best cane region in the United States, and probably in the world. 

The entire division is the natural habitat of the whole citron tribe ; numerous groves of 
the wild orange have been found and still occasionally appear, and as would naturally be 
anticipated, the orange, lemon and lime are natural and very prolific and profitable crops. 
The peach and the fig thrive everywhere ; the guava and the banana do well without pro- 
tection ; and the pine-apple is cultivated, although it does not flourish as in South Florida. 
Irish and sweet potatoes, melons, and all kinds of garden vegetables arc cultivated with 
Q-reat success, and can be brought to maturity at almost any season, at the option of the 
cultivator. 

The descriptions hereto added of Hernaudo, Alachua, and Orange counties are very gen- 
erally api)]icable to the wliole region, and render fm-ther genernl description unnecessary. 

.VLACHUA COUNTY. 

FRUITS. 

The orange is at home here, and especially so in the southern portion of the county. 
Judge Edward's beautiful grove is an absolute demonstration of this fact. We will here 
repeat that the freeze of December. 1868 did not affect his and other grove, while as far 
south as Charlotte Harbor, on the Gulf, and Indian river, on the Atlantic, all trees suffer 
ed more or less, and some were entirely ruined. There may be better reasons, but the one 
generally given is that the uortheru winds are obstructed in their passage southward by 
the tall timber, while they liave a clear sweep of the Gulf and Atlantic. We think the 
elevation and the large frefch watcj* lakes h.ive their influence. It is an absolute fact that 
our best groves are located on the most elevated points, and in the vicinity of large lakes. 
But let tiie cause be Avhat it may, it is nevertheless a stubborn fact that the trees do not 
freeze here. One tree will produce 3,000 oranges, wiiich at a ^ of a cent a xjiece, are 
worth $7.60. Then one hundred trees to the acre (the usual number) would give the 
handsome sum of $750. 

The lemon is of the same family as the orange, and it has the same habits and require- 
ments ; is very productive and of untold value. There are but few trees in the county, 
while there ought to be thousands. 

The lime differs from the lemon in size, but is more i>ro]ific. It is the best possible sub- 
stitute for the lemon. It also comes in use earlier. 

The citron can be grown hei'c with ease and safety. When sugar becomes a staple crop, 
we think the citron will play a very important part in both our agriculture and commerce. 
Its production certainly may be made very profitable. 

The peach stands next to the orange in importance. It grows almost spoutancouslj'', 
hence its cultivation is attended with very little expense. Trees sometimes bear at the 
age of fifteen months, a thing unknown to any other section of the United States. For 
proof of this extraordinary growth, we refer all those who doubt to the nursery of Ed. 
Jones, a citizen of our town, for a living demonstration. Havana, Cuba, is an excellent 
market, and is only thirty hours distant by steam. I'cachos in that niarkct are worth 
fabulous prices. 

The fig is propagatetl vvitii greater ease than even the peach. It grows from cuttings, 
and generally bears in two ji-ears, and is a luscious fruit. There is no reason why the fig 
should not be made valuable as a commercial commodity. 

Pomegranates, plums, apricot, and nectarines flourish Inxm'iantly. They are not abun- 
dant, but should bci 



39 

Grapes arc not genevally cultivatetl, buL enough is known to establish the fact that tliis 
is their natural home. In the hammocks they flourish in the wildest luxuriance, wliich is?, 
j)erhaps, the highest possible evidence of their adaptability to om* soil and climate. TIk^ 
prospect now is, that their production will soon constitute an important part of home in- 
dustry. Wine, equal to California's best, can be made in imlimited quantities from the 
Scuppernong with tlie aid of a little sugar ; a vineyard can readily be established b}- eu- 
wrafting it into the wild muscadine. The Concord. Black Hamburs:, Isabella, nnd otlui- 
tine varieties have done well wherever tested. 

RAX AN AS. 

VVe have verilied the fact tiiat this luscious fruit can be raised here to perfeclitjn, and 
that under circumstances which seldona occur. Some of the finest we ever ate grew in 
our garden last summer. The freeze of 1868 and '60 did not kill them. They are propa- 
gated from suckers and ripen in about eighteen months. An unlimited number of plants 
can grow on an acre. Two dollars a bunch is a fair price. 

STAPLE CHOPS, 

Of these crops, we think sugar is destined to be the most important. The hammock 
lands of the county are exceedingly well adapted to its culture, also the better class of 
pine lands. On some of these lands cane has been known to rattoon for several years, 
rhus saving expense to the planter. The same natural causes that operate to protect the 
orange, apply equally well to sugar cane, thereby giving the county an advantage over 
even those further south. Believing as we do, that actual facts form the, only safe basis 
upon which to proceed, wc here submit two or three test cases. T. C. Ellis, Esq., of this 
place, sold the products of one acre of cane (pine land) for $300 ; J. E. Dodd, cf Xewnans- 
ville, raised fifty thousand stalks of cane on one and a half acres, which at the nsual sel- 
ling price, one cent a piece, would amount to S500. Mr. Hyre sold products of an acre at 
S896. The examples are, perhaps, above an average crop, but they nevertheless show the 
wonderful capacity of our soil and its adaptability to the culture of the crop. 

Cotton heretofore has been "king" of crops, and under the old system of crops wns 
quite remunerative. Of late years there have been certain causes which have operated 
strongly against its regal power, and which, we think, have worked its partial overthrow. 
The sequel will be, we predict, an introduction of a great variety of labor. Indeed some 
planters have alreadj' introduced a new order of things, and are giving sugar and fruit 
that consideration and attention their importance demands. The folly of relying on a sin- 
gle crop for food, raiment, and income is plain, and especiallj' so when that crop is cxjiof- 
ed to inroads from a thousand enemies. 

We do not wish to be understood as opposed to the production of cotton, only its exclu- 
sive culture, for we believe it can be made very profitable in connection with a full pro- 
vision crop. We know instances where 2,000 lbs. of "seed cotton" have been picked from 
a single acre. Cotton in the seed, last fall, sold readily at from 8 to 15 cents per lb. in 
our town market. We have made some considerable inquiry after the prices of Florida 
Sea Islands, at home and abroad, and from a fair comparison of prices, arc forced to the 
conclusion that Alachua cotton is the best made outside of the Islands. 

PPtOVISION CROPS. 

Corn, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and rice constitute tiie principal provision crops. 
Twenty-five bushels per acre is an average corn crop ; sweet potatoes will yield as high as 
two hundred and fifty bushels, and Irish potatoes the same per acre as in the more north- 
ern States, Peas and pea-nuts arc very prolific and very remunerative. They sell readi- 
ly at from $1.60 to $3.00 per bushel. From twenty to one Inmdred bushels can be raised 
on a single acre. Peanuts arc a splendid substitute for corn to make pork with. Rye and 
oats are a profitable crop. The castor bean grows wild and luxuriantly ; tobacco would 
certainly do well. The 6(iua.-!i juid melon are in their element on our soil, and io tlii'ii- 
yield there is no end. 

fiAKDEN TKUCIL 

Is abundant in every month of tiie year. Feas, cabbage, beets, turnips, onion-;, lettuce, 
radishes, Ac, do admirably in winter and add much to our tables. Tliey can be raised in 
ijuantities sufficiently large to ship to northern markets with very little labor or expense 
and at a handsome profit. Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, rhubarb, okra, egg-plant, pepper, <fec., 
grow to perfection in summer. We are of the opinion that the tomato is destined to be 
raised on a grand scale for northern markets. There is a fortune in it for any one who 
engages in its culture permanently. The snap bean and cucumber can be raised for the 
same market with equal success. We have been assured by a friend that he shipped over 
two hundred boxes of tomatoes, gathered from a single acre, (pine land,) to IS^cw York, 



40 

where tliey were sold at an average rate of $6 to the box. "Wliere is there a business 
more profitable? 

TOWNS. 

Gaiuesville is our largest and most important town, and is the county site. It is noted 
for the general good health of its citizens and its important locality. It has direct com- 
munication by steam with Fernandina on the Atlantic, and Cedar Keys, on the Gulf, and 
thence witli every port in the world. The proposed railroad from here to Tampa will 
doubtless be built within the next three years, which, in effect, will make it the depot of 
all South Florida. The proposed road north to Live Oak will also, when built, add much 
to the improvement of the place. The hotels in course of erection are destined to be well 
])atronized by invalids and pleasure seekers when completed. The invalid's great dread, 
cold, bleak winds, fogs, and dampness, are confined to our coasts and large rivers, and sel- 
dom reach the interior. Gainesville is located on about the highest points of the Florida 
railroad between the Atlantic and Gulf. The atmosphere is generally dry and bracing. 
The retail trade of the town is very large. The Methodists, Episcopal, and Presbyterians 
liave their respective places of worship. School facilities are ample. Union Academy, 
Live Oak Institute, and the East Florida Seminary are among the best institutions of 
learning the country affords. It has two newspapers. Lumber is plentiful. Micanopy is 
a mucli older place tlian Gainesville, but is not so easy of access. Its destiny, however, 
is an important one. The surrounding countrj- will make it ; it is in the heart of the great 
orange and sugar section of the State. Tlie proposed railroad, when built, will give it an 
impetus that will both surprise and gladden the natives. Newnansville is the oldest town 
in the county, and is next to Gainesville in point of population. It has a good back coun- 
try, but lacks for want of communication. Waldo and Archer are two important depot 
towns on tlie Florida railroad. 

AlISCELLAXEOUS. 

All that is required now to put this county on its feet, is a true statement of her finan- 
ces and resources. This fact in part accounts for the rapid increase of the population of 
the county, which has more than doubled itself in the last decade. In 1860 it was 8,282 ; 
\n 1886, 16,000; and judging from tlie number of registered voters, it must now be about 
20,000. 

Game and fish are plentiful ; the latter are easilj'^ caught and of excellent quality. Stock 
raising can be made exceedingly profitable. Our prairies furnish pasture the whole year, 
and Vt'ith the aid of a little grain, stock will keep fat the severest of winters. A better 
class of stock should be introduced. Skilled labor is in good demand ; ordinary day la- 
l)orers can be had at rates ranging all the way from $18 to $20. The price of land ranges 
from 75 cts. to $50 per acre; $5 and $K> are the most common prices. 

A'aval stores can be produced in abundance ; our pine forests are peculiarly adapted to 
the biisiness. 

Lands can be cleared here as clieaply as in other timbered States. Fertilizers are abun- 
dant in our swamps and marshes, and easy of access. 

immigrants will be kindlj'^ received, their politics respected, and we will here assure 
them that they will find a reasonable, woll-ordered, and peaceable commimity. We ad- 
\ise those who desire to settle among us to come and see for themselves. We will be 
jileased to show thera about. Yours respectfully, 

CESSNA & HILL. 

VOLUSIA COUNTY. 

The following rcjjorts were read at the late meeting of the State Agricultural and Im- 
iiiigration Association t 
1. General Sketcli of History. II. Locality and Climate. III. Health. IV. Surface and 

Soil. V. Products of Forest, Field and Garden. VI. Accessibility to and Distance 

i'rom Market; Mail Facilities and Roads. VII. Supply and Price of Labor. VIII. Price 

of Land and Cost of Clearing. IX. Houses and cost" of Building. X. Water, the Sup- 

j)ly and Quality; References. 

1. General Observations. — In 1836, tlie wliole Peninsula of Florida below the present 
south line of St. Johns county was comprised in tliree counties— Monroe on the south, Ala- 
chua on the Gulf coast, and Mosquito on the Atlantic coast. The wild region between the 
last named counties was known as the Indian River Reserve. 

'J'he name Mosquito was afterwards changed to Orange, and in December, 1854, all that 
portion of Orange county lying east of the St. Johns river was incorporated under the 
name of Volusia county, since which time Enterprise has been the county seat. It is sup- 
posed that the early Spanish navigators landed on our coast. An ancient roadway is 
graded through tlie sand hills from the beach to the Indian river, near the south end o*' 
''[crritt's Island. A similar road has lately been discovered near tlie upper end of the^ 



41 

Halifax. The first settlement in this county was made by Dr. Turnbull, who, in tiie year 1667, 
established a colony of fifteen luindred persons, of Spanish and perhaps, Grecian origin, 
whom he had induced to emigrate from the Island of Minorca, in the Mediterranean. 
Turnbull's wife bein.o- a native of Smyrna, therefore, the settlement was named New 
Smyrna. Tlie crop cultivated bj- TuriibuU was indigo, of whicli he raised thousands of 
dollars wortli annually. These colonists not being dealt with according to contract, all 
abandoned tiie settlement and located in ami near St. Augustine, wliere tlieir descendants 
now reside. The only permanent monument left bj' Turnbull is a large canal, draining 
the swamp that bears his name into the Hillsboro' river at New Smyrna. The old settle- 
ment at Spring Garden was mentioned by Bartram in his travels before the Revolution. 

Before tlie Seminole war, whicli broke out in 1836, there were eleven sugar plantations 
between New Smyrna and St. Josc])h, the site of Gen. Hernandez's plantation ; several of 
tliese establishments cost sixty thousand dollars each ; all were destroyed by the Indians 
in the first year of the war. 

The fir.st right with the Indians in this county was at Dunn Lawton, on the Halifax, in 
which sixteen Indians and one white man were killed. Log forts wei'e built at Bulow and 
at McCrea's on the Timoka, at which place the whites were surprised outside their fort 
and three men killed and scalped. At Volusia on the St. Johns, was one of the outposts 
and a fort. From this post (i en. Eustis, in command of the left wing of the army, com- 
posed mostly of regulars and ilrafted three month's men from South Carolina and Georgia, 
set out to cross the country to the Withlacoochee to join Gen. Scott. After the brief and 
fruitless campaign of three months. Gen. Scott and his ai-niy crossed the river at Volusia 
on their way to St. Augustine. Tlie first settlement at Volusia was made in 1816 by 
Horatio S. I)exter. 

This village, situated pleasantly on the east bank of the St. Johns, on a hammock formed 
of fre.sli water shells, although the largest village in the county, has but three stores and 
a half a dozen dwellings. At Enterprise is a large hotel and the county court house, one 
store and three dwelling liouses. There is no store on the coast north of Sand Point, at 
\vhich place there is one store and several families residing. Within a mile of New Smyr- 
na post office are six families; within two miles of Port Orange post office, on the bank of 
tlie Halifax, are eight vrhite families and four colored. 

The rivers on the coast furnish an abundance of salt-water fish and oysters. I)eer are 
Iroublesome to farmers by eating the vines of the sweet potatoes. 

This county contains about 1,8(X) inhabitants; most of them immigrated from Georgia 
iind the Carolinas, but every State is represented here. The northern settlers are along 
the coast and on the St. Johns. Those who live near the best lands are of moderate means 
and they have not cleared the richest lands; consequently, visitors passing through the 
country and only seeing the pine lands under cultivation, might get the impression that 
we have no first class hammock. 

TIk- public schools are not yet in operation. 

No clergyman resides within our borders. "We have no politicians; offices go begging ; 
two of my neighbors who have commissions as Justices of the Peace decline to act ; the 
office of County Treasurer has been vacant for two years, seeking a man to accept it. We 
have no jail and little need of one. 

When settlers come here and go to work and attend to their business, nobody cares 
where they come from ; they are welcomed and encouraged. 

In 1866 and "J an attempt was made to establish a colony of freedmen from South Caro- 
lina at Port Orange ; some 50() families were brought here by Gen. Ely, from the vicinitj' 
of Columbia, in three steamboats from Charleston ; but the proper preparation and loca- 
tion of their homesteads had not been made, and some disliked the pine land of the gov- 
ernment for homesteads, and most of them went into the interior counties ; not over a 
dozen families are left here, and probablj' not a hundred in the county. 

Some of the most intei'esting antiquities in the State are the Indian Mounds in this coun- 
ty. Turtle Mount, or Mount Tucker of the old maps, is a pile of oyster shells, variously 
estimated from fifty to eighty feet high, standing on the east bank of Mosquito Lagoon ; 
it is covered with bushes and small trees on the top and all sides, with the exception of the 
west face, fronting the river, Avhich is jierpendicular and of loose shells. Earth moimds 
are common near the river banks along the coast; but the most remarkable of these is on 
Spruce Creek, on the south bank, four" miles from the Halifax. It is about fifty feet high 
and a hundred feet in diameter at the base, and as steep on the sides as the soil would lie, 
excepting on the east side, which ascends gradually, as if for a roadway. Deej) excava- 
tions close by show where the earth was taken from to build this immense pile. In these 
and other mounds in this county liave been found pieces of potter}-, stone pipes, and other 
implements, charcoal and human skeletons in various stages of decay ; the latter are com- 
paratively i-ecent. These relics of a distant and unknown age lead the imagination back 
be3-ond the early dawn of written history ; beyond even the gray twilight of tradition, 
and leave it to grope in the night of the foro-otten past. 



12 

2. Locifliti/ and Clhnak. — Volnai;i counLy is boutttlcd on tlic north by tit. Johns couutr, 
east by the Atlantic ocean, south by Brevard county, and west by St. Johns river, whicli 
separates it from Orange county. It extends from near the Matanzas river on the fiortli 
to Lake Washington on tre sontli, about 100 nnlcs. Its widtli varies from 40 miles at the 
north end to 15 miles in tlie southern portion. It lies between the })arallels of 28 and 29 
deg. 40 min. north latitude. 

Meteorological observations have been taken since 1SG6. whieii are published in the re- 
ports of the Department of Agriculture at Washuigton. 

Tlie following is the range of the mercury between the extremes, taking the lowest and 
the highest observations in each month of iS69: Januai-y, coldest, 47 deg., hottest, 80 
deg.; February, 24—85 ; March, :>1— 8.S ; April, 54—81 ; May, CO— 00 ; June, 74—90 ; July, 
71 — 92; August, 74 — 82; September, 72 — 90; October, 49—75; November, 35 — 81 ; De- 
cember, 33 — 81. The mercury rose to 90 deg. and upwards as follows: In April once, 
in May once, in June twice, in July ten times, in August nine times, in September twice. 
The prevailing Minds in the winter are from tlie northeast, north, and nortliwest ; the fi'osts 
are iisually brought about by the last named winds ; in summer the winds are southerly 
and southeasterly ; the west Avinds are tlic most disagreeable. When comfortable hotels 
shall have been erected along the beach, it will be a common place of resort in summer 
for the residents of the interior of the State. 

I speak from experience when I say that this portion of the coast is cooler and pleasanter 
in summer than Jacksonville, Savannah, or Charleston. 

Whatever injurj;^ the orange trees sufl'er from cold is in the spring, after they have start-' 
ed to grow, and not in the colder weather of midwinter. 

In February, 1870, (last month) Mr. Bostrom had roasting ears from a small patch of 
corn that grew in his field on the east bank of the Halifax. 

Bananas and pine apples do well in the southern part of the county, but cannot be relied 
on as a sure crop at the northern part. 

3. Health. — The coast, or that portion which lies east of tlie Halifax, Ilillsboro', and In- 
dian rivers, all of which run parallel with the beach, may be set down as perfectly healthy. 
With reasonable care to provide comfortable houses and wholesome food, families may 
confidently expect to be exempt from any disease that can originate here. Patients suffer- 
ing from fever and ague, which tliey liave contracted in malarious regions, soon recover 
here. 

The high banks of fresh water creeks, above the reach of tide water, are also healthy. 
So is the middle region of the county, although much of it is taken up with flat, low pine 
woods and bay galls, and shallow cypress ponds are numerous. The whole length of the 
county along the St. Johns, at tlie distance of two miles back from the river, is also free 
from malarial diseases, excepting ahvays, low, flat bottom lands on lakes, rivers, or creeks 
that are subject to overflow. 

The danger in all these instances is not in the water, but in the action of the heat of the 
sun on the rich soil after the water has drained off or evaporated. 

The miasm which produces fever and ague, is a minute organic structure, whicli is in 
visible to the naked eye, or to an ordinary microscope, and is always j^roduced when the 
requisite degrees of heat and moisture arc brought to bear on decaying vegetable matter, 
on tiie same princijile that the plants forming mildew and yeast suddenly grow when the 
proper conditions are furnished, springing frdm invisible seeds that are constantly floating 
in the air. 

Salt marshes tiiat are regularly covered v.ith the tide do not produce this miasma; but 
where the marshes and bottom lands on the banks of creeks and i-ivers are occasionally 
covered with fresh or brackish water, intermittent fevers may be confidently looked for. 
An apparent exception to this rule jjrevails in the case of cypress and grass ponds in the 
interior, so long as they are filled with growing vegetation, such as trees, bushes, and 
grass. There are sevei'al families now living in perfect healtli near such ponds in this 
county, and I have no doubt that if the ponds shoidd be cleared of the growth of vegeta- 
tion during the summer, every member of such families would be attacked with chill and 
fever in a few weeks. The most common form of disease in this county is the intermittent 
fever, or chills and fever, and that only exists in the localities I have described above. 

4. Surface and Soil. — This county is surrounded and intersected by water-courses as fol- 
lows : The Atlantic Ocean w'aslies the eastern shore ; tlie Halifax river is formed by the 
junction of tlie Ilaloven and Bulow creeks and tlic Timoka river ; it is about a mile Avide 
in its whole length of thirty nules, and so straight that midway of its lengtli the horizon 
meets the water, as one looks to the northward or southward. It runs nearly parallel Avith 
the coast, and discharges its Avaters at Mosquito Inlet. The tide flows up tlie entire lengtli 
of this river, and renders the Avater brackish in the tributaries just named for six miles or 
more above their mouths. This river Avas formerly called Mosquito North Lagoon. The 
Ilillsboro' river, or Mosquito South Lagoon, extends from Mosquito Inlet, southwardly, 
jiarallel Avith the coast, thirty miles. For tAvelve miles south of the Inlet tlie river is 



•filled Willi marsh aiul nmngrove islands, and divided .into crooked iiud narrow ciiannels. 
13clow these islands the river is a broad expanse of water five miles wide, varying from 
■three to six feet deep. Tlie channel is rendered tortuons by coral reefs and sand banks. 
This portion of the river is now termed the Lagoon. This river is entirely salt, having 
MO tributaries from the land of fresh water. 

Indian river is separated from the Lagoon of Hillsboro' river by a narrov/ strip of 
land two hundred yards wide, called the Haiilover. A canal has been cut through con- 
necting the two rivers, and allowing boats drawing two feet of water to pass through. 

The Indian river is, more strictly, a bay. Its waters are salt, and it has no current in- 
dependent of the winds. It varies in wicUh from two to eight mile.'!. The portion east of 
.Merritt's island, thirty miles in length, is called Banana river. Indian river runs parallel 
with the coast about 100 miles, to the inlet of the same name. Elbow creek, which rises 
in the swamps near Lake Washington, on the St. Johns, empties into the Indian river, 
nearlj' opposite the south end of Merritt's island, and is the only stream of fresh water of 
any note that empties into this river within the limits of this county. In this region, for 
several miles, the Indian and St. Johns rivers are only six miles apart. 

On the whole length of the county, on its western border, is the St. Johns. Of the 
streams which drain the swamps of the interior, are Timoka river and Spruce Creek, witli 
its tributaries, viz : Turnbull Creek, Hawk Cypress, Sweet Water, and Little Spruce 
creeks, emptying into the Halifax, the first at its head, the latter only a mile north of the 
inlet, and I)eep Creek and IIow Creek running westerly, the first into Lake Harney, and 
last into Punn's Lake. Spring Garden Creek is a remarkable stream, rising abruptly in 
a spring, and furnishing a water-power of sufficient force to drive machinery for ginning 
cotton and other purposes. 

The surface of the county and its soil can be described most conveniently in five divis- 
ions, running lengthwise of the county. 

1. Commencing on the east, Ave have a narrow strip of land between the beach and the 
_ Halifax, Hillsboro', and Indian rivers, extending the whoje length of the county, only 
interrupted by the Mosquito Inlet. The width of this peninsula varies from a half a mile 
to five miles, which is the distance across at Cape Canaveral lighthouse. This peninsula 
is composed mostly of sand hills; the more recent ones bordering on the sea are covered 
with grass ; those further west, with saw palmetto, oak, and other scrub, increasing in 
height as the river is approached, until near the river, in many ])laces, are fertile spots 
that would pay for cidtivation, and covered with tall pines, oaks, and other trees. Captain 
Dummitt and Burnham's orange, the largest in the State, is on the west side of this pen- 
insula. If this region is ever made use of, it will be for residences of those who culti- 
vate the swamp lands on the main. There arc no springs or streams of fresh water, but 
good water can be had from wells dug a few rods from the river on the beach. 

'2. The west banks of the three rivers above named constitute a peciiliar feature in the 
face of the county. On the whole length of the Halifax and Hillsboro', and in many 
places on the Indian riveu, is a range of oyster-shell banks, from three to ten feet high ; 
these constitute the ".shell-liammocks ;" the shells, when mixed with the soil, are a con- 
stant source of fertility by their gradual decay. The scattering of these shell-heaps over 
considerable tracts, probably by large bodies of Indians who came from the interior to 
feast upon fish and shell-fish during the winter, lias created much of our second-rate ham- 
mock ; this class of soil terminates abruptly at the last shell-heap, and the pine barren com- 
mences. Some portions of the banks of Indian river are fifteen feet high ; some places of 
sand, and at others, of coquina or shell rock. There is but comparatively little of this 
kind of shell-hanmiock on this river. In the vicinity of Mosquito Inlet are considerable 
tracts of land, where the subsoil is composed of disintegrated and decayed shell rock, 
which, a few feet lower, is sound enough for building purposes. This is the character of 
the river front from New Smyrna northwest some seven or eight miles. This soil produces 
well every variety of crop tliat has been planted on it. Tliere is no part of the St. Johns 
where all the advantages of a fine river prospect, good soil, and healthy location are com- 
bined as on the west banks of these rivers, which are generally within two or three miles 
of the sea, and constantly within the influence of its invigorating breezes, and within 
hearing of the surf 

3. The tliird division from the east is the swamp region. This extends from Bulow'e on 
the nortli, across the Timoka, and, southwardly, the whole length of Halifax and Hills- 
boro', and for fifteen miles on the Indirai river, a distance of more than eighty miles in 
length, and varying from a lialf a mile to three nules wide. The celebrated Tnrnbull 
swamp, southwest of New Smyrna, is a part of tliir. ti-act, as is also the Dunn Lawton es- 
tate. The soil is a black alluvial, mo.stIy unmixed v/ith sand, and rOBtijig on a clay or shell 
marl foundation. This is probably a;i ijood land as any in tlie States It needs draining to 
vender it arable, and there is sufficient fall to allow of this, as 'in atilply proved hy some of 
TurnbuH's old canals, wliich still discliftrge the waters of the sw.imps into flie river. It 
was on these Hwamp landf! flint ihc Ku^ar plrrntations bffore iTicntionod wore Rituated,, that 



!4 

were broken up by tjie Indians. The ruins of sleanvniills are still t.hL're, and the fields 
marked by the cane rows all covered with a dark forest of nearly forty years' growth. 
The greateiit obstacle in the way of the settlement of this county is the uncertainty of 
title and ownership of these lands. They are covered with' old Spanish grants, the owners 
of which are in the West Indies, or in the Northern States ; anywhere but here. Many 
of these have not paid taxes for twenty years. They will soon be taxed, and the owners 
or agents thus ascertained, or the lands sold for taxes. In the region of this county al- 
ready described, along tlie eastern shore, are 100,000 acres of these Spanish grants. 

4. The fourth region may be called the interior of the county, situated about half way 
between the ocean and the St. Johns. It is mostly a table land of flat woods, from which 
the rains drain off slowly, interspersed with bay galls, savannas, cypress ponds, and spruce 
pine,. and dwarf oak scrub hammocks, which are worthless for cultivation. This region is 
better adapted to grazing than to any other branch of agriculture. It is thinly settled by 
fetock-raisers, and cannot sustain a dense poj)ulation until the prairies and savannas arc 
di'ained and turned to fruitful fields. 

The western portion of the county, bordering on IJio St. Johns, is undulating; many 
of the elevations are called hills, among which are numerous small lakes or ponds. The 
soil is variable, and comprises every grade of soil in the State, but is mostly i)ine land. 
Some of the best farmers in the county are cnltivating pine land. With cow-penning, it 
produces good corn and cane. Mr. George Sauls, who lives in this belt of undulating pine 
woods, six miles from the St. Johns, raised, in 1868, live hundred dollars worth of sugar, 
syrup, and molasses from one and three-quarters of an acre of pine land, witli no other 
fertilizer but the cow-penning. The prices he obtained were higher than will ever be 
likely to prevail again. He sold his sugar at fifteen cents per pound, syrup at seventy-five 
and molasses at fifty cents per gallon. 

The bottom lands on the St. Johns are of the most fertile character, and, when diked 
and cultivated will exceed in productiveness the sugar lands of Louisiana; for we have a 
great advantage in climate here, being more than a degree further south than New Or- 
leans. It was this kind of soil, bottom land diked, on the Timoka, on- which Ca]it. Dum- 
mitt raised at the rate of four thousand })ounds of sugar to the acre. ]Merritt's Island is 
mainly flat pine land, but its climate is milder than that on the mainland in tlie same lati- 
tude. It is a good location for the cultivation of the whole orange tribe. 

o. Prodnrbi of the Fored, Field and Garden. — Our forests produce abundance of pine ami 
live oak ; considerable quantities of cedar, bay, hickory, cypress, and asli. Various other 
varieties of oak are also found here, magnolia, sweet and black gum. sassafras, black cher- 
ry, soft maple, sumac, willow, bayberry, pricklj- ash, and on the salt marsh islands, the 
mangrove. In the eastern and southern portions, the coontie root is abundant, from which 
starch is made. The lumber business is neglected here, there being no saw mill in operation 
in the county. A large steam saw mill at Fort Orange, now idle, is soon to be started. The 
wild fruits are the sour and bitter-sweet orange, blackberry, hui^ldeberry, and haw, none 
of which are abundant. 

The field crops are sugar cane, both short and long staple cotton, rice, corn, potatoes, 
peamits, cow pieas, pumpkins, melons, and the semi-tropical fruits — oranges, limes, lemons, 
and figs. ^ 

Gardening is almost wholly neglected. Although nearly every variety of vegetable 
matter can bo raised here, as has been proved by experiment, few kinds are cultivated. 
The variety in a southern country garden is as follows : collards, cabbages, turnips, locks, 
or garlics, Irish potatoes, pepper, and sage. This is the natural climate for lima beans, 
egg plant, okra, and many kinds of vegetables that are grown with difficulty at the North. 
A few settlers raise beets, carrots, rutabagas, cauliflowers, cucumbers, and radishes. It 
is customary to procure the seed from the North every year, as it is supposed that that 
grown here is not as reliable. 

Among the other branches of Agriculture, should be mentioned tlie stock-growing in- 
terest. This is one of our most important interests. Cattle and hogs do well in every 
jiart of the county. As is usual in this State, the only attention paid to stock is the mark- 
ia the spring of the young. While the cattle are penned a few wefeks in the spring, the 
owners obtain a supply of milk, which is rather an incident of the marking, than an object 
to be attained. Beef cattle sell at about fifteen dollars a head ; whole droves, inducting 
"little and big," sell at six dollars per head. Beef sells at six and seven cents per pound. 
Horses and mules are generally scarce : not enough raised to supply the demand. Very 
few sheep are kept ; the citizens prefer dogs, of which the supply is abundant, and none 
are 80 poor that they cannot maintain several ugly, lean curs. Fov/ls of every kind do 
well. Bees do well, and many wild swarms are found in the woods 

6. AecrxsiMlifi/ to Jfarkef, Pod Office and Roads. — The whole of our western lj(n-dcr, on 
the St. Johns and the lakes, is witlnn twenty-four hours' stenra navigation of Jacksonville. 
Steamers ply almost daily between that port and Enterprise, sto})ping at intermediate 
landings, On the east our communication with the world is through the New Smyrna or- 



45 

Mosquito Inlet, by means of pail vessels, which and weekly to Jacksonville. Tlie celebra- 
ted King's Road, projected and built by Gov. Grant, the first English Governor of Florida, 
extends from New Siuyrna, via St. Augustine and Jacksonville, to the St. Mai'^-s river. 
It is not much traveled now, and portions of it are overgrown with bushes, and the bridges 
are out of repair; still it is passable for teams. From Enterprise, on the St. Johns, a mail 
road extends to Port Orange and Dunn Lawton, on the Halifax, thirty -three miles; also, 
t« New Smyrna on the Hillsboro', thirty-five miles, to Sand Point on the Indian river, 
fifty miles. There are post oflfices at Volusia, Enterprise, Port Orange, New Smyrna, and 
Sand Point. A canal, through Haw Creek into the Tirnoka, connecting Dunn's Lake with 
the Halifax, woidd give our eastern border a direct inland route to Jacksonville, and is 
among the most important internal improvements that can be made. 

1. Sxpphj and Price of Ixihor. — The supyly is limited and jirices high. Good hands get 
from twenty to twenty-five dollars ])er month and board on the coast, and five dollars less 
on the St. Johns. Persons coming here to open new lands should bring their help along 
witli them. The freedmen, of whom there are about a dozen families at or near Port Or- 
ange, all have entered homesteads, and only go out to work occasionally. We very much 
need an immigration of working men. 

8. Prirr of Land and Cost of Clearinr/. — There is very little cleared land for sale at any 
price. The S2)anish grants, unimproved, are generally held at from four to six dollars per 
acre. The cost of clearing heavy swamp hammock at Port Orange is not less than 
$20 per acre, and in some instances may reach thirty dollars. By clearing, I mean 
cutting down all the trees and burning off all the logs. The Southern method of clearing, 
by girdling the large trees, is of course much cheaper. Some of our pine land is so thick- 
Iv covered with saw palmett.o as to cost fifteen dollars per acre to grub out the roots rea- 
dy for plowing. 

0. Biiildbu/s and. tli.fir Cost. — With the exception of a few houses, our dwellings are rude 
affairs and poor apologies for houses. The cost of sawed lumber, delivered at Port Or- 
arige or New Smyrna, is eight dollars per thousand for freight, added to the cost in Jack- 
sonville. Most of the houses are built of logs, and in the interior puncheons are hewed 
from split logs for floors, and glass windows are not in general use. A log house, with two 
rooms, fifteen feet square, can be built for a hundred dollars, exclusive of chimney. New 
settlers along the rivers, frpqueutly thatch their roof with palm leaves. A well-to-do-far- 
mer has the following buildings: a house, a kitchen, a smoke-house, which also answers for 
storehouse, a stable and a corn crib ; if a cane planter, a sugar-house. Carts, wagons, 
plows, and all other farming tools are commonly exposed to the weather, and ruined in a 
year or two. 

10. Waier,)k Supply and Quail! I/. — Under the head of surface and soil 1 have already 
spoken of the fresh water streams and ponds, which supply the stock in the woods. Wells 
furnish pure, sweet and soft water, all over the country, with the exception of the banks of 
the salt water rivers on the coast, where the water, though sweet and suitable for cooking 
and drinking, is usually too hard for washing. E.ain water, caught in cisterns, is used for 
this purpose. 

References : — For general information in reference to the county, address H. G. Lun- 
gren, M. D., Volusia; B. F. Buckner, Enterprise; J. H. Fowler and J. A. Bostrom, Port 
Orange. In relation to orange and cane culture and productiveness, Capts. Miles 0. Burn- 
ham and Douglass Dummitt, New Smyrna. In relation to stock raising, Bryant Osteen, 
Enterprise. Relative to game and fish, boats and guides for sportsmen, R. N. Sheldon, 
New Smyrna. J. M. HAWKS, M. I). 

Port Orange, Volusia Co., April, 18*70. 

HEIIXANDO COUNTY. 

Hon J. S. Adaiiix, L'oiiunisxioucr of Jiatnigration, Jacksonville, Fhi.: 

Dear Sir: — I pi-opose to give you a topographical sketch of Hernando county, hoping 
that some of the many immigrants to this State may desire a home in the southern portion 
of it, and that this may be of some interest to them. 

Hernando county is situated on the Gulf coast, and lice between latitude 28 deg. 15 m. 
and 21) deg. 30 m. It is bounded on the north by the Withlacooche river, on the east by 
the same river, and what is called the prong of it, on the south by the Hillsboro' river, 
for some eight miles, and from thence to the Gulf coast, by Hillsboro' county, and on 
the west by the Gulf of Mexico, for seventy miles — the entire length of the county. It is 
adjacent to Levy and Marion counties on the north, on the to ]\Iarion and Sumter coun- 
ties, and on the south to Polk and Hillsborough counties. The average width of the cotm- 
ty from east to west is about thirty miles, and from this you will discover that its general 
shape is that of a paralellogram, lying north and south. 

There is no part of the Stsjte, of the same area, whioli has greater on r.qual water facili. 



ties, nor can oft'ur ais great variety of inducements to enci'gy and capital. To particular- 
ize, I will commence by speaking- of the many water advantages. 

On the northern and eastern border we find tlie Withlacoochee river, already navigable 
one-sixth of the circumference of the county, and can be made so for fully one-fourth. 
From the interior of the county, we have the sources of Crystal river, Ilomosassa river, 
Cheisowilsky river, WickaAvachee river, and Anclote river. These rivers are generally 
about ten miles apart, and from six to one hundred miles long, emptying into the Gulf, at 
from ten to twenty miles apart. They are all navigable to some extent, and some of them 
to their sources. Aside from these rivers, there is a lake connected with the Withlacoo- 
chee river, (Lake Charliepopka,) which is one of the most extensive bodies of water in the 
State. It is about fifteen miles long and from one to six miles wide, and lies diagonally 
in a southwesterly direction across a portion of the counti-y. 

This lake seems to be a series of lakes running into each othei", and thereby creating 
long peninsulas of the most fertile land between theui, and in many instances, islands, 
which have proven to be the moat prodvictive. 

On the western border of this lake, the land is elevated, and so on the islandSj and some 
of the most beautiful locations are to be had within on the main or on some island. On 
the eastern border the county is flat and interspersed with cypress swamps for som« eight 
miles, where you will strike the river. In this "cave," as the jjeople call it, are to be found 
Avild cattle and hogs in abundance, with every imaginable species of indigenous vermin 
and some larger animals ; but this is a digression. 

This lake, with but little expense, could be made navigable into the AVithlacoochee 
river at all seasons, as it is now during the wet or rainy season. The connection of the 
lake, hov/evcr, is above the head of navigation on the river, but only about six miles, and 
no falls to encounter to reach the navigable point on the river for steamboats. The AVith- 
lachooehee river i«i a narrow but deep stream, and rises in the northern part of Polk coun- 
ty, runs north till it reaches the northern boundary of this county, when its course turns 
westerly until within a distance of about twenty-live miles by land from its mouth, when 
it turns due west and empties into the Crulf about twelve miles from Cedar Keys, the west- 
ern terminus of the Florida Railroad. 

Crystal river rises about twelve miles from its mouth and eight miles south of the With- 
lacoochee river ; nms Avest and empties into the Gulf ten miles from the mouth of the 
Withlacoochee river. It is navigable to its soui'cc with small schooners, and for three 
miles from its mouth with sea-going vessels. Its source is produced by numerous springs, 
all within an area of half a mile, producing a beautiful broad and crystal stream, from 
whence it takes its name. It abounds in fish and oysters of superior quality. A flourish- 
ing village is situated at its head, and takes the name of the river. Six miles further 
south, we find the Ilomosassa river, which is also produced by numerous springs, and is 
ten or twelve miles long ; runs west and empties into the Gulf eight miles from the mouth 
of tbe Crystal r!->"-r. It is navigable for small steamers and schooners, and inside its 
mouth many lar u vessels have loaded with cedar timber for New York. At the head of 
navigation on this river was farmerly the home of Hon. I). L. Yulee, whei'e he cultivated 
and manufactured sugar cane on a large scelc. This plantation is now in the hands of 
I^orthern men, who are working it to some extent. About four miles south we strike the 
Cheisowilsky river, wliich gushes out from numerous rocks and forms a bold and deep, but 
short river, not more than eight miles long. At the head of this river was (twenty years 
ago) tlie principal trading point for this count}'. It was the principal shipping port before 
the war for cedar timber taken from its adjacent swamps, where many cargoes of this val- 
uable timber yet remain. The river is navigable for good sized river steamboats and 
coasting sail vessels. It abounds in all the fish common to the Gulf coast. 

Twelve miles south lies the Wiccawachee river, a narrow and serpentine stream, winch 
is formed by a spring, the basin of which is about an acre large, but from fifteen to thirty 
feet deep. This streani is hardly entitled to the name "rivei'" until within about five miles 
of the Gulf, when it widens and becomes navigable for small steamers, and at its mouth 
there is enough Avater for sea-going steamers. The village of Bay Port is situate at the 
moutli of this river, anil was a place of considerable commercial importance during the 
war, as a point 'or "blockade running," and many a valuables were landed, both from sail 
and steamboats, at this place. A considerable mercantile and forv.'arding business is still 
carried on here. From the liead of this river lai'ge quantities of oediiv timber liave been 
rafted to its moutli for shipment to New York. 

About thirty miles south of this river, we find the Anclote river, wl.lch takes its oi'igin 
from numerous lakes in the sotheastern portion of the county, in tlie flat v/oods, and not 
a great distance from the source of the Withlacoochee river. Its course is southwest, and 
empties into the (rulf about four miles north of the county line. It is a v/ido and deep 
stream for about ten miles fr,om its mouth, but from tlience to its source it is but a shallow 
stream, the most of tlie time fordable. Some ton miles Pouth of its mouth. '■onim(>neO!=; the 
settlement of Cleor Wfitcr Harbor, of wltich you no cloubt havfi heard, 



47 

It is somewhat rnnarkabli^ th.-it all tlio rivers and crcek.s between this river on the wutli, 
anil the Withlacoocliee on the north, should take their origin, sonic from miiiicrou8 springs, 
and others gushing boldly tVom a rocky labyrinthine source, and all from the side or near 
a range of barren, high, sand hills running nortli and south, and from six to twelve miles 
from the coast. 

Th« first impression in referGnce to the quality of the land is, that where there is such 
an extensive water border, there must be a large quantity of that which is good ; and such 
is the case. Not only on the border of this extertfeive lake, but in the valley of all those 
sliort rivers, there is laud that will compare favorably with the Louisiana or Yazoo lands, 
but every location sinks into comparative insignificance to the large bodies of land near 
the centre of the county. The principal body of this land lies in Annattalogga Hammock, 
live-sixths of which is of the first quality of hammock land. It lies north and soutii, and 
is about thirteen miles long and from three to five miles wide. It lies between two ranges 
of high hills, whicli run parallel with the hammock on either side; and although the land 
is elevated, and in some parts rolling, you will very percejdibly discover that it is an ex- 
tensive valley when viewed from one of these liills, the altitude of which is from two to 
three hundred feet. In some instances, arms of the hammock project out between these 
high hills, but in no instance to obstruct the view, which, it nmst be admitted, is beauti- 
ful. As^ a general thing, the land on these ranges of hills is poor, Init affords the most 
beautiful and healthy locations as residences, aftbrding plenty of cool "spring water," 
from which one has taken the same of "Spring Hill;" another that of "Mount Airy," from 
its great elevation and the delightful breezes tiiat are almost continually wafting the in- 
vigorating salt air from the Gulf, which is only about fourteen miles distant. The survey 
from this hill is greatly beautified by a large and placid lake at its base. 

The growth upon this hammock land consists of white oak, live oak, water oak, ash, 
hickory, elm, sweet gum, cedar, mulbeny, orange, and all other trees indigenous to this 
climate, and which do not select their habitation in the \Ane woods. Some of these trees 
grow to an enormous size, such as the white oak, live oak and hickory. It is not uncom- 
mon to see them from four to six feet in diameter. Quantities of undergrowth are under 
these large trees, and it is in some places almost impenetrable, which renders the clearing 
of the land difficult and expensive ; but the greater part of it can be cleared for five dol- 
lars per acre, which is a trifling expense, considering the productiveness and durability of 
it when once under cultivation. It yields, per acre, of corn is from twenty to thirty bush- 
els, and when well cultivated and cared tor, will produce forty bushels, as is frequently the 
case. Tobacco does well. Oats yield about the same as corn when planted in November 
or December, but later they do not do so well. Cotton, as might be expected, does as 
well here as on the sea-islands. The land, climate, and atmosphere, all suit the growth of 
sea-island cotton. As a proof of this, the yield of this staple for the past three years 
when unmolested by the catterpillar, has been from five to seven hundred pounds of seed 
cotton per acre, and in some instances as many as eight hundred pounds have been raised. 
But it seems that Nature has more particularly adapted this land to the growth of sugar 
cane. It yields from two to three thousand pounds of sugar per acre, according to the 
age of the rattoon, and this runs from five to seven years. Those who are acquainted 
with the cultivation of sugar cane know that it is one of the most exhausting growths to 
the soil that is planted ; nevertheless the natural land of portions of this county continues 
to reproduce good stands of cane from the rattoon from five to six years without any de- 
terioration in the yield of sugar ; and that, too, without any aticmpt at fertilizing or en- 
riching the ground by the husbandman. This is certainly an evidence of the desirability 
of this land, nor is the failure of your seventh year's rattoon regarded as a failure of the 
soil, but of the cane roots, and all that the planter is required to do is to plow up and plant 
in the middle of the rows, when he will be i)repared for another five years' success in the 
growth of sugar cane. As further evidence of the desirability of this land, I will relate a 
little conversation that occurred not long ago. The writer suggested to one of the oldest 
and most successful planters in this county to subsci'ibe for an agricultural journal, and 
told him in a joke, that it would teach him liow to apply fertilizers of various kinds, <fec. 

lie said "he had no use for them ; that lie had used them in Alabama and Mississippi, 
but he would never plant land any more that required them ; that his present plantation 
(in the Annattalogga hanaraock) had been cultivated every year for fifteen years, and no 
appreciable diminution in its yield, nor would there be in his or the rising generation's 
life time; but should it fail in the third, all they would have to do would be to take a little 
more fresh land and work on." 

It is really so tliat the little field.: which the j)ioneers of tin; country cleared up some 
thirty years ago, have been under cultivation all the tinu;, and unless on some little knoll 
or otJier place subject to wash, are nearly or <piite as propuctive as when first planted. 
There are many small detached hammocks around this large body of land, all of which 
partake of its fertilitj' and durability. 

At the south end of this large hammock is situate the village of Brooksville, the county 



4R 

Bite. Two miles south of this village, we come to another large body of hammock land, 
the Charcoochartie hammock. It is seven miles long, but somewhat broken with scrubs 
and swamps, yet thousands of acres of good, high timber land lie in it covered with a 
growth similar to the Annattalogga. South of this bod}' of land, keeping rather in the 
centre of the county, lies a remarkable country. It is high, rolling, and reminds one of 
the red hills in Georgia. The land is what the residents term "mulatto land," which name 
is indicative of its color. It is quite productive, and yields the best quality of sea-Lsland 
cotton raised in the county. The land reaches to the flat woods in the southern portion of the 
county, and ceases very abruptly, affording in some places a beautiful view of the exten- 
sive plain befor« j'ou. Along the border of the flat woods are many desirable locations 
for those who desire to engage in raising stock, as the pasturage is excellent in this sec- 
tion. Those flat woods extend twelve miles south to the county line, and give origin to 
some of the tributaries of the Hillsborough river as well as the Anclote river. 

Notwithstanding there is such quantities of good and lasting lands in this county, ac- 
cessible to almost any one, if an individual should select a location that is unproductive — 
for its beauty or good water, or some fanciful object — all he will have to do is to apply to 
any of the numerous marl-beds, rich in lime, to be found all over the county, to fertilize 
his land ; and if he should be in reach of Charliepopka Lake, he will find humus enough 
to enrich the poorest county in the State of New Jersey, to mix with his marl. 

Had I not already said more than I designed I would give you some statistics of the 
products at large, and of some particular parts of the count}'. 

The country about Crystal river, and tlie rolling country near the flat woods, deserve 
special notice ; but suffice it to say that if a man desirous of following an agricultural pur- 
suit will come and see the country for himself, I will venture to asse7-t he will not be dis- 
pleased. 

The inhabitants of the county number about twenty-five hundred. The white portion 
consists principally of the second ])urchasers, as but few of the first settlers of frontiers- 
men have remained. 

Notwithstanding "Florida is unknown in other sections of the country, but is looked 
upon as a small piece of valueless land," the white inhabitants, even of this county, re- 
present almost every Southern State and some of the New England States. 

They are a peaceable and quiet people, frugal and hospitable, courteous to strangers, 
and glad to see them come when they bring the insignia of honesty and enterprise. There 
are but few who take any interest in politics, and the most of these are among the colored 
people. About a dozen churches are distributed throughout the county — Baptist and 
^lethodist — lu) public, but several private schools. A northern, southern and western 
mail twice a week ; one telegraph oflice in the county, communicating with domestic and 
foreign cities. The surveyed route for the Waldo and Tampa railroad passes through and 
near the centre of the county. 

In conclusion, I would say to the immigrant, that if he desires to plant an orchard of 
tropical fruit trees, let him come to some of the short rivers in this county, clear off one 
acre of ground, plant out one hundred orange trees, twenty-one feet apart, and in three 
j'ears he has a capital of ten thousand dollars bringing an interest of ten per cent. The 
land will cost him but little, ranging from nothing to six dollars per acre. Each tree will pro- 
duce one thousand oranges every year, at the least calculation, and they will bring on tlie 
trees one cent a piece and sometimes two, so he has an income of ten dollars per annum from 
each tree, equivalent to one hundred dollars at ten per cent interest. The propitiousness 
of the soil and climate, with facts, fully justify those estimates. If he desires to plant 
cane, corn, cotton, tobacco, oats, potatoes, garden vegetables, pine-apples, bananas, or all 
of the tropical fruits, he will be doubly recompensed for his labor, and enjoy as good 
health (as might be expected from the proximity to the coast) as if in any other portion 
of the State. Very respectfullT vour obedient servant, 

■ ■ S. STRINGER. 

Brooksrillc, Fla., Dec. 9, 1869. 



r.EOOKSViu,E, Fla., Jan. 18. 18*70. 
Hon. J. S. Adanifi, Commimoiier of Immigration: 

Dear Sir : — Yours of the first inst., asking for some statistical information as to what 
Itad been done in the way of crops in this, Hernando county, came to hand a week or ten 
days ago. 

In reply, I regret to say that I have not been able to make search for such information 
as I would like to have given ; still, such as I have collected comes from men of intelli- 
gence and imimpeachable veracity. In gathering these facts, I selected those who repre- 
sent different parts of the county in order that a fair exponent of what had been done in 



49 

the county iit lurgo, and not favorite localities, might bo given. The ligiu'es below are in- 
jtelided to show what has been produced per acre : 

./ NAME. CURX. OATS. POTATOES. COTTON. 8UGAU. , RICE. TOBACCO. 

A. T.Frierson bu. f.O bu. 40 bu. 400 lbs. TOO lbs bu. 2.") lbs 

Jesse C'larady bu. ('.3 bu. 50 bu. . . . lb.s. 1000 lbs. 3400 bu. 43 lbs. ... 

J. H. Gould bu. 20 bu. . . bu. 400 lbs. 1100 lbs. 3600 bu. . . lbs 

Wm. Nicks bu. 80 bu. . . bu. 400 lbs. 1000 lbs. 2600 bu. . . lbs 

James Parkston.. .bu. . . bu. . . bu. . . . lbs lbs bu. . . lbs. 1800 

Dr. "\V. T. Mayo. . .bu. 60 bu. 40 bu. . . . lbs lbs. .... bu. 62 lbs 

Mr. Frierson made 200 gallons of wine from eleven Scuppernqng grape vines — over one- 
sixth of an acre. ' ' 

Mr. (rould says the above is his average crop. 

Mr. Nicks gives the above as his average crop. 

Dr. Mayo makes 4,900 pine-apples per acre. 

It is not to be understood that these crops are raised every year, nor by every former, 
but they have been raised by the gentlemen time and again, and with labor tliat could be 
controlled, could be raised successivclj'. Mr. Frierson says he can do so now if the sea- 
sons are not imfavorahle. 

Suffice it that these figures have been attained, and, too, by the old fashioned way of 
farming, there not being a single improved farming implement in the county, none being 
used save the turn-plough, scooter, sweep, and hoe. 

Mr. Clarady says that he fully believes, with the improved method of farming now in 
use in the Middle and Northern States, with the energy of the people of those sections, 
we could cope with smy of the States in raising cereals. He has seen an experiment made 
in wheat-growing in this county, on a small scale, and says that it was as fine as any he 
ever saw in Tennessee, Kentucky, or Georgia ; "that in almost every instance there were 
four grains of wheat in each mesh, while in those of other States, two were common, three 
very good, and four, extra." Wine can be raised on these lands with but little trouble. 
Mr. Frierson makes one hundred and fifty to two hundred gallons every year from only 
eleven Scuppernong- grape vines, and others in the county do equally well from small 
arbors. 

Hoping this brief but reliable report of what has been done in the way of crops in this 
county will be of some service, I subscribe myself your obedient servant, 

8. STRINGER. 

ORANGE COUNTY. 

Apopka, Orange Co., Fla., July 20, 1869. 
Hon J. S. Adams, Commissioner of Immiffration, Jacksonville, Fla.: 

Dear Sir : — In accordance with your published request, I shall proceed to give you a 
brief descciption of tliis part of Orange county. 

Our principal lake is Apopka, and the parallel of latitude, 28 deg. 35 min., runs through 
the centre. This name means in the Seminole language, "Potato eating town." This lake 
covers an area of about three townships, its greatest length being northeast and south- 
west. It is surrounded by fine bodies of hammock, a portion of which has been cleared. 
These lands are well suited for the growth of corn and cotton ; the latter, however, on 
fresh land goes too much to weed, but if properly cultivated, does well on old land. Su- 
gar cane does well, the rattoons being used for six years before replanting, and in the 
spring tassels. It is not uncommon for one cane to yield one gallon of juice. The aver- 
age produce is from 350 to 400 gallons of syrup, or 2,000 pounds of sugar to the acre. 
We raise as fine cabbage as can be found anywhere, and sweet potatoes are grown all the 
year. They are planted in the fall for spring and summer use, and are termed "standov- 
ers." We have tomatoes and green 2:ieas during the winter, and many other vegetables. 
The soil is a sandy loam, with a clay subsoil, which, in some places, comes to the surface. 
Persons cultivating these lands should have their residence at least a mile from the lake, 
with timber intervening, to be healthy. Col. H. L. Hart is now engaged in opening the 
Ocklawaha river into the lake, and expects to have his steamers in there this fall, thus 
connecting the lake witli Palatka, on the St. .Johns river. The orange and all the semi- 
tropical fruits, as far as tried, do well. Game is abundant, and the lake afl'ords fine fish- 
ing. There are some drawbacks ; the alligators destroy the hogs, and at times thp mos- 
quitoes are bad. The cost of clearing hammock land is from ten to fifteen dollars per 
acre. The produce of long staple cotton is from five to eight hundred pounds of seed cot- 
ton to the acre; of corn, I do not know the average sufficiently well to state it. Labor is 
scarce, and is generally one dollar per day ; by the month, with board, fifteen dollars.,; 

The pine lands are mostly high and rolling, interspersed with clear water lakes of' dif- 
ferent sizes, abounding with fish. There are some .streams of running water, and Huljihui- 



50 

spring's abound. On the margin of some of these lakes are small bodies of hammock. A 
large portion of these lands is still subject to the Homestead Act, and in some cases claitna 
can be purchased where small improvements have been made. There are still some good 
State lands which have not yet been taken up. The price of land varies so much, and is 
advancing so fast in value, that it is scarcely possible to make a fair estimate. From eight 
to twenty dollars per acre, I should think, was now about correct. Last fall a small place 
was offered to me for $1,800, another for $2,550. In two mouths after, one sold for $2,- 
100, and the other for $3,500. The soil of these lands is sandy ; some have clay subsoil, 
and others a sandstone of recent formation. As a general rule they are healthy, Good 
water is obtained from wells at a depth of from eiiyhteen to forty -seven feet. There are 
some good springs. The pine lands produce good long staple cotton, the best bringing 
one bag to two acres, but the average is one bag to three acres. Corn is not, as a general 
thing, a certain crop on these lands, as it sometimes "white-buds ;" where a person has cat- 
tle, penning obviates this, and the land produces surprisingly. A little manure would: not 
hurt any of it. By cow-penning, fine sugar cane is produced in nearly the same quantities 
ae on the hammocks, and the sugar and syrup are much purer. Orange groves are doing 
well on this land, and, thus far, all the semi-tropioal fruits I have tried. A steamboat now 
makes regular trips from Palatka, up the Wekiva river, to Clay Si)ring, distant three and 
a half miles from the Masonic Lodge, and from tlie lake some five miles. We have saw 
and grist mills and stores, Methodist and Baptist preaching several times a month, and a 
Sunday school. Next month a day school will conmieuce. We have, generally, a'good 
population; as an instance, the corn cribs and smoke houses have no locks upon the doors. 
There are but few negroes here, and they are good citizens. To persons wishing to change 
their location, I would say come and see for yourselves. The best time to move a tiimily 
is about the last of October. Hesjiectfully yours, • , 

ZELOTES H. MASON, M. D.: i 

Apopka, Orange Co., Ela., February 16,: 187^>i[ 

Hon. J. S. Adams, Tallahassee, Florida: '.''f( 

■ ■'*'•■' 
Dear Sir : — In a former communication I gave a description of this section, which was 

published in the Florida Union. A longer residence here has deepened the favorable im- 
pression first made on me, and I am better satisfied that,, the statements madein my. first 
letter are fully borne out by experience. ; .,(,, 

I reside in township twenty -one, range twenty-eight, south and ea.st, in the county of 
Orange. As a general rule, our pine lands are high and rolling, the soil a sandy loam, in 
some cases underlaid with red clay, in others a sandstone. The principal growth is pine, 
in some portions the undergrowth is tuskey-oak, post-oak, and sumac, with white and post- 
oak runners. Most of the land, however, has no undergrowth except the oak runners. 

The cost of clearing is about $L50 per acre. Rails cost from $1.00 to $1.25 per liun- 
dred ; carpenters ;J;2.00 to $2.50 per day and board ; farm hands $10 to $15 per month, and 
hired laborers are scarce and hard to get. 

These lands are well suited for the growth of cotton, both long and short staple. The 
average is a 833 lb bale of long staple to the acre. They are not so well suited for corn 
without manure, though some plant it. This grain is geiierally raised in the hammock 
land, which has been planted twelve years in succession withoiit manure, and yet yields 
20 bushels per acre.' Rj-e does well on pine lands, and a liiunber of my neighbors are 
sowing oats. I am told they do well, especially the black oat. 

By cow-penning, we raise sugar cane nearly equal in quantity to hammock land, while 
the sugar and syrup are of ftxirer quality, the average' being 300 to 400 gallons of golden 
syrup, worth here 74 cents per gallon, or from 1,200 to 2,000 lbs. of sugar per acre. From 
experiments made, swamp muck is equal if not superior to cow-penning as a manure. 

The orange, and fruit of that class, succeeds well, and many persons are planting out 
groves. Many of the semi-tropical fruits succeed Jiere, such as (he guava, plantain, bana- 
na, and pine apple. 

Sweet potatoes are raised throughout the year, and unless the winter is unusually se- 
vere, can be left in the ground and dug as needed.' 

The cassava and arrow-root might be made a profitable crop ; thus far I have only plan 
ted for family use. Tobacco will grow duriiig most winters. I have some plants of Cuba 
on the north side of my house, and they are still green. .' 

Our lands are well suited to the production of grapes, the land , being rolling. We do 
not have standing water. In fifteen minutes after a heavy rain the water ha^' all passed 
off. My grape vines produced abundantly, and in the fall a small second crop. The only 
enemy is the mocking bird, and I am willing to give them a share for the sweet music 
they give in return. ,. 

Tliere are some springs, but we mostly use well water, and it" is k good article. We 
hav(j but few creeks; the country is, however, well watered with clear water lakes of va- 



rioiis sizes. In winter they afford good drinking water and abound in fine trout, bream, 
and perch. 

There is a good opening for a steam saw mill, which would not only pay well but be- 
come a means of settling our county. There is a water mill within four mUes, but there 
is a difficulty at present of getting lumber as fast as we want it. Building lumber costs 
$15 to J;17 per thousand. 

Six miles off, at Rock Spring, is a large bed of blue limestone, which in many places 
comes to the surface, and only wants developing to become of great service in making 
muck compost. 

All kinds of garden vegetables do well, and there is no trouble in having a constant 
succession during the 3'ear. In most families vegetables are scarce, from the fact that 
they do not try to have them. 1 have had no difficulty in supplying my family through- 
out" the year, and on low ground have as fine cabbage as could be wished for. I have re- 
sided in Florida nearly ten years, and from experience can say that persons moA'ing here 
from a colder climate need not be uneasy in regard to health, provided they do not settle 
on Lake Apopka, or have their residences at least a mile oft", with timber intervening. 
The best time to move here is in the month of October. Though wc live in latitude about 
28 deg. 40min., we have a delightful climate, enjoying the sea breezes both from the Atlantic 
and Gulf. Last summer, which was unusually warm, we did not have more than six 
nights that we did not re-Cjuire some bed covering. 

The Apopka lands are rich, being mostly hammock, and are held at high prices, while 
a large portion of the pine lands can be homesteaded. Steamboats now run regularly 
from Palatka, weeklj^, to Clay Spring on the "Wekiva Iliver, three miles from our post 
office. Fare |^6.00. Supplies can be obtained in the stores here or brought from Jackson- 
ville or Palatka. 

We welcome to our section all moral persons who are willing to work and a.«sist in de- 
veloping the vast, and in many cases, untried resources of our State. 

Respectfully yours, Z. H. MASON, M. D. 

MARION COUNTY. 

Marion is one of the central counties of East Florida, and occupies a commanding posi- 
tion among the best agricultural counties of the State. Surrounded by and bordering 
upon Levy, Alachua, Putnam, Orange, Sumter, and Hernando counties, it participates in 
the characteristics of all of them, and may with propriety, be called the agricultural heart 
of. East Florida. 

Although entirely an inland county, and nowhere extending to the coast, still, bordering 
upon j^ake George, upon the east, divided nearly in twain by a branch of the Ocklawaha, 
and comraunicating through its numerous and beautiful lakes with the St. Johns, it is not 
by any means deficient in the means of access to market and the facilities for exportation 
of its produce. 

It expends in latitude from 20 deg. to 29 deg. 30 min., and thus has a mild and genial 
climate, well adapted to the grov.'th of many semi tropical fruits. 

Nearly midway between the Atlantic and Gulf coast, it is daily visited by the winds 
from either side, which meet over her tei;i*itory and pay frequent tribute from their mois- 
ture-bearing clouds, so that c(vutiuued droughts are almost unknown. 

In addition to the facilities of access by water, there is now a strong probability of the 
speedy completion of the r.ailroad from Waldo, on the Florida Railroad, to Ocala, the coun- 
ty site, through a recent organization of energetic business men, under a new charter. 

The surface is generally level, but in several sections is gently undulating, and, inter- 
spersed here and there with numerous lakes and ponds and beautiful springs, is character- 
ized by a beauty of natural scenery seldom found in Florida. 

The soil in Marion county is better than that of the average of the State, having an un- 
ueual proportion of hammock, both high and low, and the pine lands haA^ing a richer sub- 
soil and nearer to the surface, than is commonly foimd. Marl and muck, giving abundant 
supplies of natural fertilization, are to be found in all portions of the county, and easily 
accessible, and insure a permanent agricultural capacity. 

Cane, cotton, corn, and sweet potatoes may be cited as the staple crops, but so favorable 
is the geographical situation that almost any of the strangely varied productions of Flori- 
da can bo successfully cultivated here. Oats, rye, the peach, the fig, and the grape, with 
the tobacco of Northern Florida, succeed equally as well, while the natural adaptation to 
semi-tropical fruits, indicated by tJie existence of numerous and extensive natural groves 
of the wild orange, is amply demonstrated by the succes.sful cultivation of the orange, 
lemon, lime, citrpu, and banana. 

The county is unusually provided with rivers, lakes, and springs, and good water can 
be secured in all parts by wells of little expense, furnishing abunclnut siippHes of whole- 
some watei\ 



52 

Good health, as a rule, prevails throughout the couuty, and the only diseases that can 
bo said to be prevalent are those always encountered in a rich and new country, and con- 
sist in the lip;hter types of bilious and intermittent fevers. 

Valuable kinds of timber abound everywhere throughout the county. Yellow pine is 
universal, and in the hammocks are found ample stores of ash, oak, live-oak, cedar, bay, 
cypress, and magnolia. 

Sea-Island cotton has hitherto been a favorite crop, but the ravages of the caterpillar 
have turned preponderating attention to short cotton and cane ; and, with perhaps the 
single exception of Hernando, Marion will probably become the cane county of the State. 
If the actual sugar capacity of these two counties was well understood and fairly appre- 
ciated abroad, the price of land would double in one year. 

Two routes are open to those wishing to visit Marion county, one by the St. Johns to 
Palatki, and thence by the Ocklawaha steamers to Silver Springs and Ocala, or still fur- 
ther up the river to the lake region. Another is by the Florida Railroad to Gainesville, 
and thence by hack via Micanopy and Ocala. 

Orange Spring is simply the bursting forth of a full-sized river from the very bowels 
of the earth, and with its beautifully clear waters and circular basin, carved out of the 
evergreen of the forests, forms one of the gems of nature. The admiration of strangers 
would be equally divided between this singular freak of Nature and the quiet and placid 
beautjr of the upper lakes. 

Lands in this coimty are comparatively cheap, improved places being in the market at 
reasonable terms. Good sugar lands can be bought at from ^S to $10 per acre, and large 
quantities of United States and State lands are open to entry and purchase. 

The people are well disposed and orderly, and will extend a hearty welcome to all new- 
comers. 

With its genial climate, agricultural capacity, cheap lands, varied crops, and command- 
ing position, the future of Marion county is not uncertain. In Florida, sugar will, ere 
long, dispute supremacy with cotton, and sugar lands that are good for an average crop of 
2,500 pounds per acre, must soon command a ready market at good prices. 

INDIAN EIVER REGION. 

The following description of the Indian River region, by an intelligent resident planter 
of long experience in Jefferson county, confessedly one of tlie best counties of the State, 
and iu'duced to migrate by actual and personal knowledge of the special inducements 
offered, will bo of more than usual interest. It conveys the impressions, not of oni? coni- 
ing down from the cold regions of the North or West, who would of course be tempii^arily 
captivated by the climatic attraction necessarily enhanced by force of recent contrast ; 
but of one long accustomed to the mild atmosphere of Northern Florida, and the agricul- 
tural advantages there afforded. 

In transmitting the communication, Mr. Magruder remarks : 

"Enclosed you will find an article in reference to Indian river. I have endeavored to 
set forth the advantages and attractions of the river in the strongest light possible consis- 
tent with facts. But for such strong corroborating evidences from other sections, I would 
hesitate to place before the public such flattering accounts and enormous results ; yet 1' 
verily believe I have not done full justice to our section of country." 

Hon.! J. S. Adams, Comrmssiojfiar of Immigration: 

Dear Sir : — Allow me to call your attention to a section of country which I conceive to 
be the most desirable now known. Indian river runs parallel with the Atlantic coast 23 
dcg. N. W. and S. E., extending south of latitude 27 deg., and running north of 28-} de^., 
measuring from one and a half to seven miles in width, and fi-oni four to sixteen feet in 
depth of channel, though in many places one may wade more than half a mile from shore. 

She abounds in everjr variety of fish, but is distinguished for her most superb mullet, 
the general weight of which is from two to five iiouuds, but in manjr instances they weigli 
from six to nine pounds, measuring twenty to twenty -two inches in length. The sheep- 
head, sea trout, cavalier, and bass are large and fine. There are A'ery extensive beds of 
oysters in the southern portion of the river, of the largest size and most superior flavor ; 
and these are so accessible that the canning of them would prove a profitable occupation. 

Turtleing is carried on to some extent and proves quite lucrative. The river is separa- 
ted from the Atlantic by a narrow strip of land from one to three-fourt!>s of a mile in 
width, the majority o*' which is poor, sand scrub, though it contains bodaes- of very rich 
hammock. Approximating thus near the Atlantic, we have the benefit ofithe sea-breeze' 
in its pure slate, and tliis, combined with the mild, genial climate of a sf)uthern latitude, 
is what renders it so famous for henltli, such a thin9: n- sickness l)eitig scarcely Iniown 
upon the river. 



53 

Tlic ijiuu laiuls largely iiredoiuiiuile, uoiae ol' very lair protluctive quality-, witli beauti- 
ful sites immediately upon the river, liaving on altitude of eight to sixteen feet above the 
water. There are also fine bodies of the most splendid hammocks peculiarly adapted to 
the growth of tropical fruits ; the leading varieties of which are the orange, lemon, lime, 
citron, banana, plantain, pine-apple, guva, and pomegranate. I am now testing the more 
tender growths, the tamarind, sapadillo, avocado, pear, French lime, mama-apple, sugai-- 
apple, mango, paw-paw, cocoa, date, cocoanut, English walnut, pecannut, 3'am, ginger, 
casava, etc. The orange is the leading crop of all others. It requires three years from 
tVansplanting to commence bearing, then pays hundreds of dollars per acre, and soon runs 
to thousands, there having been four to six thousand dollars per acre realized this sea- 
son. Bananas grow considerably north of this and pay from twelve hundred to two thou- 
sand dollars per acre. Pine-appUs promise from eight to twelve hundred dollars per acre. 
Sugar cane grows astonishingly, attaining a height of twelve to sixteen feet, single stalks 
yielding more than a gallon of juice, which being boiled down, makes over a quart of 
tliick syrup, and produces five to six hundred gallons of sj'rup per acre. Of peas, pump- 
kins, two crojis from the same vine are raised in abundance, and potatoes flourish the year 
round. The natural growth of the hammock is the sturdy live-oak measuring from two 
to six feet in diameter, the stately hickory, two to three feet in diameter, and twenty to 
Forty feet to first limbs, the red elm, mulberry, wahoo, cabbage palmetto, with an undor- 
.1-rowth of hack-bush, torch-wood, marl-bush and vines. There are also the iron-wood and 
■•rab-wood, approximating in weight to the lignumvitje, and susceptible of the finest polish. 

We have springs of good water just under the bluff, and by sinking wells 12 to Iti feet 
)btain water almost anywhere. The water in the hammocks is more or loss impregnated 

■ vith lime, there being a stratum of coquina rook underlaying the surface, forming an in- 
xhaustible supply of the most valuable fertilizer. Our woods abound in small game and 
n deer, bear, and an occasional panther, with the most superior range for every kind of 

-;'.tock. Four year old steers weigh from four to five hundred pounds ; two year old heifers 
irom 250 to 300 pounds, and they calve at that age. Hogs are raised with but little at- 
tention, to weigh 150 to 200 pounds at two years old. Here is the white man's refuge. 
^et him quit his large itlantatiou and his cotton, and upon a few acres here make his nett 
acome of two to ten thousand dollars. Incredible ! you may think, nevertheless true. 
i?he labor of one man, v.'hen once properly established, may make his thousands. We 
Vant transportation. By referring to the State map, you .will perceive that a canal eight 
niles in length will connect the Halifax and Matansas rivers ; then a little work upon the 

• laulover, between Halifax and Indian I'ivers, puts us in connection with St. Augustine. 
H>o that a line of light draught steamers plying through 'these rivers, a distance of over 
'^00 miles, connecting at St. Aug'istine with large class steamers outside, and by railroad 
'0 Jacksonville, gives us direct communication with the world. It will also attract the 

• rade, and devclope an extensive section of country, the Kissimmee, that is nov/ lying al- 
,;iiOEtin obscurity. We also desire to r;.:vc an outlet or pass from opposite the mouth of 
Jit. Sebastian, into the Atlantic, (there being eight feet of water in the river, and a steep 

■ .shore on the Atlantic, which we think will prevent its ever being filled with sand,) admit- 
:'.flg large class steamers and increasing the turtle interest. 

'■■ Give us these connections, and then Indian river comes into repute for vegetables. She 
,^ftn supply even New York in the months of January, February and March, with the most 

• elicate varieties; tomatoes, peas, beans, green corn, cabbages, melons, etc. I have rea- 
lm to believe the varieties of grapes can be grovv-n here with success, — the scu])pernong 

perfection. Where is there a country combining so many advantages '! The most 
• nial, delightful climate, perfect health, fine sporting, fine range for stock, and a soil pro- 
-iuicing in abundance ahnost every variety of ju'oduction? 

Ilcppectfully submitted, 0. B. MAGllUDEFv. 

SOUTHERN FLORIDA. 

Soutli Florida, consisting of that j)ortion of the peninsula south of latitude 28 degrees 
north latitude, is composed of the counties of Ilillsboro', Poll:, Brevard, Monroe, Manatee, 
and Dade. From its low latitude, its peculiar location, as interposed between the Gulf of 
Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and its proximity to Ihc Gulf Stream, this division has 
marked characteristics which sjiecially distinguish it. 

Tlie surface is in the main flat, and excepting tlie extension witliin its northern protion 
of the flattened ridge or plateau upon which the State is mostly situated, the greatest cle- 
vntions fonnd are around the external boundaries, while the deiu-essions are in the interiov, 
causing it to resemble tlie basin of a shallow lake. Thus constructed and under the influ- 
ence of the rain-bearing clouds from both sides, while the elevation of the exterior border 
prevents the easy egress of superabundant water, this divi.sion is not only well su[)plied 
with rivers, streams, and small lakes, but has, also, the broad sliallow lake of Okeechobee, 
and that remarkably receptacle of surplus fresh water called the Everglades, within its 



54 

borders, and occupyint;- a large proportion of its axtent. It is quite probable that a clear- 
ing out of the obstructions formed in the channels of the numerous river courses reaching 
out from the interior to the Gulf and Ocean, will relieve this section from much of its ex- 
cessive humiditj^but at present a large part of this territory is so liable to submersion as 
to derogate largely from its value for cultivation, although scattered along the exterior 
borders, and upon the banks of its many lakes and streams, can be found rich and fertile- 
lands, "which, under the fostering influences of a climate of unsurpassed mildness, become 
exceedingly valuable for their immense productiveness in special crops. 

The savannas, or grass prairies, that are liable to periodical inundation during part of 
tiie year, but hidden with a rich growth of nutritious grasses during the balance of the 
time, form a characteristic feature of South Florida, and constitute some of the best cattle 
ranges in the world. 

The climate is singularlj' equable and uniform, the difference between summer and win- 
ter being very slight, and the range of the thermometer during the year confined \vithin 
very narrow limitfi. AVarmer in Avinter and cooler in summer than any other portion of 
the State, the climate is equal to that of the most favored regions of the world, and nearly 
resembles that of the Sandwich Islands. 

The crops in this section would not include the cereals grown with success in Northern 
Florida, and even corn is not grown with much success, while the apple, pear, and peach 
do not do as well ; but on the other hand, cane, cotton, tobacco, the orange, lime, lemon, 
citron, and grape find here a congenial home ; and the semi-tropical and tropical fruits 
thrive as well as in any part of the world. 

And on the "Keys" or islands which line the coast and vary in extent from a few acres 
to a number of square miles, forming a ver^"- peculiar feature of the section, the bananas, 
pine-apples, and cocoa are easily grown in great abundance and of great size. 

A more complete idea of the region will be obtained from the accompanying account of 
Manatee county, and the letters of Lieut. Governor Gleason, who resides in extreme South 
Florida, and is thoroughly acquainted with the wliole region. 

MANATEE COUNTY. 

Manatee Co., Fla., March 4th, 1870. 
'/. S. Admv-f!, Esq., Cominrisioner of Lnndqratio.i : 

Tour letter of Feb. 1st, and circular of January, reached me tlie 22(1 ult., at Manatee. 

In answer to your inquiries, I will endeavor to answer so far as this county is concerned. 

The surface is, with very few exceptions, level ; soil sandy, divided into pine woods and 
hammocks, with co::sid6rable prairie. The pine land is well adapted to all the crops of 
our climate when sulficiently fertilized by cow-penuing ; but especially for raising sweet 
potatoes, which ;jrnw the year through, and average in price from fifty cents to one dollar 
per bushel. The }• iKimoeks arc from a light to a dark grey color, and naturally rich ; they 
constitute oiu- cv_ :r cane land, principally, and will average two hogsheads of sugar and 
eighty gallons of molasses to the acre ; rattooning from six to eight years, or longer, ac- 
cording to the cultivation. Also best for oranges and corn. The prairie is regarded as poor, 
and has never been cultivated to my knowledge. It constitutes a part of the great ranffe for 
cattle, hogs, <fec. 

Our climate is all that can be desired, exempt from excessive cold or heat, differing but 
a few degrees between summer and winter, the therjnoraeter rarely reaching 90 deg. in 
summer, or falling to GO deg, in winter. Sometimes we have excessive rains in the rainy 
season, and sometimes we are affected by drougth in the dr^^ season, but not more so than 
occurs elsewhere. 

The chief products are immense herds of cattle ; the estimate of tlie county being 75,000 
to 100,000 head. 

Sugar cane, which is our specialty, is not only the most profitable, but decidedly tlie 
most reliable crop. Cotton is just beginning to claim attention in the countj', and by 
selecting suitable locations it produces well. 1 allude to the long staple. Tobacco can be 
raised in great abundance on the rich lands. Ilicc in the lower and stitfer soil, if planted 
eai'ly, will mature two crops, the last being rattoon, yielding in both, at least seventy-five 
bushels to the acre. 

Corn on worn-out cane land will, in a favorable season, produce twenty-five bushels to 
the acre, but corn is r.ot n^garded as a sure crop. The whole class of garden products 
yield in extraordinary degree, embracing the whole melon and pumpkin class. Field peas 
nre raisc<l abundantly, and of excellent quality. Pindars do well but are not much culti- 
vated. Millet, sorghum, bene, chufa, arum, cassava, tanyah, are all grown in this 
county to some extent. Palma Christi becomes perennial, and yields its oil bean perfect- 
Ij'. Both the East and the West India varieties are inti'oduced. 

Of fruits, the whole citrus family grow to perfection. Between sixty to seventy thou- 
sand oranges were shipped at one time alone from Manatee settlement last tall. Bananas 



ordinarily do well, but the last two winters liave been unusiiallj' frosty, and the plants 
geem slow in recovering- from tlie effects. On the Islands and Keys, pine-apples, dates, 
and that class of fruits may be raised. The olive, the tea, and cofi'ee plants are sui)posed 
to be adapted to our soil and climate, but have not been tried. 1 think the two former 
would grow well in Soutli Florida. Of native wild fruits, we have the mulberry, j)ersim- 
mon, Indian fi^, blackberry, huckleberry, plum, etc. The quince, iig, guava, avocado pear, 
etc., are raisetl. Also pomegranates and tamarinds. The native grapes consist of several 
varieties, one resembling tlie (Jatiiwba and the others perhaps the Southern Muscadine. 

The price of land varies according to improvement, sa^- from $1,50 to |20. Turpentine 
pine, live-oak, water-oak, hickory, soft maple, elm, red • and white bay, sea ash, pop ash, 
mulberr}', cypress, magnolia, cedar, black gum, India rubber, cabbage palm, mangrove, 
black and red myrtle, pride of India, West India birch, swamp dogwood, Florida acacia, 
aloe, willow, oak, etc. Lumber twenty-five dollars per thousand, (mills much needed.) 
Labor one dollar per day with .board ; one dollar and a half without. Not much means of 
.procuring it. Markets, Key West, Havana, and Tampa, and home consumption by new- 
Co^iers. Cost of clearing hammock land about twenty dollars per acre. Building expen- 
sive, unless ii.sing pine logs and palmetto covering, which answers for this climate — then 
very cheap. 

Water soft out of the hammocks, and hard in them, but good, llealtli no better in any 
part of the world. Owning stock is a good business. Schooners and steamers carrj' cat- 
tle from Manatee river and Charlotte's Harbor in this county nearly constantly, paying 
about lifteeu dollars per head for steers. Ilogs do well, but are prone to run wild ; and 
subject to many enemies, viz: eagles, cpngars, lynx, foxes, alligators, bears, , and if the 
hogs are fat, white folks. 

Tfie rivers, crveks, and bays teem with ftUisprts of fish, both scale and shell. Mullet 
might be put up in Terra Sea, Palraa Sola, Sara Sota, and other less and greater bays, to 
supply the L'^nion. Clams and oysters abound. Deer, turkeys, and other game are plen- 
tiful. The county is settled in spots ; sometimes tVj'enty-five, or even fifty miles between 
neighborhoods; • 

iSTearlj' every neighborhood has its church and school, and one Masonic Lodge in the 
county, situated at Alanatee village. Insects are bad in portions of the county at certain 
seasons, but not past toleration by any means. Grass grows luxuriantly and requires 
watching to make good crops, but industry always gets the better of it. The people are 
very kind lo strangers. Neighborhoods can be found to suit the political complexion of 
any modern type. 

.Immigrants must not come to Manatee to live without woi'k. nor to expect no priva- 
tions. If they do, they will be disappointed. Respectfully, tfec, 



M. FIROR. 



POLK C0U1*TTY, 



Fort Me.\d, Polk Co., Fla„ April 2, 1871. 
Jlon. J. S. Adnmfi, CoimnisHioner of Imrmgration, Jacksonville, Fla.: 

Dear Sir :— Agreeably to request I will herewith endeavor to give you a truthful and 
succinct topographical view of Polk county. 

'' '' BOUNDARY. 

"_it*ylk county is bounded on the north by Simite.r. county, on the west by Hillsboro' 
county, on the south by Manatee county, and oa the east by Orange county. 

SURFACK. 

Tlie surface is generally level and the lauds may be classified as follows: First, ham- 
mock land ; second, pine land; third, prairie land. , • 

The hammock lands comprise two qualities, viz: grey and black, and are the lands ad- 
jacent the lakes and rivers, and are covered principally with heavy timber cliaracterized 
as follows : Live and water oak, red and white bay^ hickory, dogwood, gum, orange, the 
tall and graceful magnolia, and the iron wood, a veify hard, adamantine species of wood. 
The soil is a dark, rich, sandy loam, being of great natural fertility. The pine lands are 
covered with the long-leaf pine, which also is considered a superior quality. All of these 
lands are highly productive in their natural sjate, as lime or marl are more or lessr an in- 
gredient of them, and when properly fertilized by cow-penning, the usual modus ojierandi 
down South, will yield a bountiful reward tb;tho prudent, judicious, and diligent husband- 
inan. ilr. John M. Pearce, a gentleman of much reliability and veracity, also of enlarged 
J^nd practical views of planting, gives me the following as a fair statistical criterion for 
.^fertilized lands : Cotton, long staple, 400 pounds per acre ; sugar cane, s3-rup, 350 gallons 
per acre; Indian corn, 40 to 5D, bushels per acre ; rice,i60 to 70 bushels per acre; oats, 40 
to 30 bushels per aero; potatoes, 8weet,;400 bushels per acre. 



56 

Besides the above, tobacco, pindars, cow peas, and Irish potatoes, I liave no definite es- 
timate, but fully a ^^ro ra^rt yield, as much as the nutritious "hytiee" potato, which is 
appreciated as the shie qua non for this M'hole southern country. The above crop is only 
a fair average Vv'hen labor can be controlled and seasons favorable. Tiie prairie lands are 
immense meadows, clothed with luxuriant verdure, interspersed with clumps of oak trees 
and palmettoes of from five to ten acres each. These lands are looked upon as inferior 
for agricultural purposes, and are subject to periodical inundations during the summer 
season, i. e. from the beginning of June to the 25th of August. They are the favorite re- 
sort of vast herds of cattle and game, which roam and graze upon its fragrant herbage. 
The estimate of the amount of cattle is from 60,000 to 75,000 head — thereby forming one 
of the principal products of the county. Stock cattle sell for $5 per head, and beef cattle 
from $9 to $13 per head, Hogs also do well, and, when strict attention is paid to them, 
pay well. I have known and heard of several instances in which the common woods hog, 
two and a lialf years old, weighed from 400 to 500 pounds, gross. Sheep and colts, with 
the natural advantages that this county possesses, could be made profitable. The forest 
abounds ih game, sucii as bear, panther, deer, cats, raccoon, squirrels, and turkej's, and 
the lakes and rivers afi'ord innumerable multitudes of fisli and waterfowl. The whole 
vegetable kingdom thrives well. The county is well adapted to the culture of all the 
semi-tropical fruits, as has been practically demonstrated. The price of common labor is 
from $15 to $17 per month and boarded. Mechanics receive from $2 to $3.50 per day. 
The clearing of hammocks here varies from $5 to $15 per acre, all according to how you 
desire it. The usual method of preparing pine land, is to "deaden" the timber — i, e. gird- 
ling the trees^ — cut and pile the logs for $5 per acre. The price of land varies according 
to the improvement upon the land, which you can purchase from $2 to $20 per acre. You 
also caii'purchase wild or unimproved land from $1.25 to $5 per acre. Lumber sells high, 
$20 per thousand. Mills are sadly needed — not one in operation in the county. Excellent 
opening for investment of that kind. The county is somewhat sparsely settled ; the pop- 
ulation numbers about 3,100. Many are "new-comers." The number of votes polled 850. 
The colored population is small — about 50 and all told. The healthfulness of the county 
is excellent, and the water is abundant and of good quality. We have little sickness and 
only light fevers, which you can, with a little proper attention and a few grains of qiii- 
nine, easily dispose of. The proof of the assertion is tlie fact that doctors have to 'dig 
"hyties" and cow-drive to make a decent living. *"'■ 

Bartow, the county site, is pleasantly situated in the centre and in one of the iiiO^t 
thickly settled portions of the county. It has a very respectable court house, but a mis- 
erable jail, a masonic lodge, a male and female institute in quite a flourishing condition, a 
post office, and a telegraph office communicating with inland and foreign cities. Bartow 
is 50 miles from Tamjia, 75 miles from Okahumkee, and 70 miles from Charlotte's Harbor. 
The society is very good We have no public schools in the county at the present time. 
The county has several hidej^eiident schools in operation, and all in quite a prosperous and 
flourishing condition. 

We are free from the pest of ins,ects, with the exception of fleas. But the desideratum 
that our section sadly feels the necessity of is accessibility to market, and transporting 
facilities with the outer world — Tampa being our chief market, and nearest, being 46 miles 
distant. Also the principal port of admission and transit of all produce shipped to or 
from this section, with this exception, that beef cattle, when bound for the Cuban market, 
find, en route via Punta Rosa, an excellent port on tlie coast of Monroe county, 108. miles 
distant, which renders it very inconvenient and unpleasant. All transportation between 
Tampa and our section is carried on with ox teams, a very dilatory process indeed. Pease 
Creek, a very respectable stream, running in a surpentine course througli the centre of the 
county, having its source in Sumter coimty, and emptying into the Gulf at Charlotte Har- 
bor, could be made navigable for small steamers up to Fort Meade, 80 miles from its 
mouth, with the application of a very small amount of capital and labor. Our people 
have been hoping that some enterprising capitalists would comprehend this point and 
take hold'aiid demonstrate the practicability of navigating the stream, wliicli would bring 
this count}' in direct communication with the cities of Tampa and Key West, and the Qulf 
line of steamers. If such an enterprise could be accomplished, it would make knownthe 
dormant wealth, and advance the interest of this whole county to a great degree, and 
bountifully recompense the prosecutors. The county, in the whole, is favorably watered, 
in bold, flowing, and transparejit streams and lakes, but tlie misfortune is, the streams are 
all minor in size. Fort Meade is a flourishing and grooving little village, beautifully loca- 
ted on the lofty bluff which rises from the right bank of the river, (Pease Creek,) 80 miles 
from its mouth. The village is bowered among groves of trees, surrounded with a very 
fei'tilc and healthy country, and society of i\\Q first order, and in the centre of the cattle 
tifade, doing three-fourtha of the whole business in a radius of 70 miles north, ea.s1; and 
south. There is quite a remarkable glade in the forest of the southern portion of the 
county, composing about 65,000 acres of land. The timber lias all been killed from time 



iiiinicmoriiil. No Iiistorical or InidiUonal account can be given to I'onii a correct opinion 
of the caiiric. Some sui)pose that lire, and otliers that nu extraordinary cyclono_ visited 
tliat section ages ago. Tlie surface is higli comparatively, dotted witli small lots of young 
growth from a quarter to three acres— oasis-like, covered with succulent grass. It is con- 
sidered quite fertile. Tlie small remnant of dead tiniLer that is standing u])on it is highly 
esteemed by the adjoining settlers for rail timbei-, being rich liglitwood, and of great du- 
rability. There are also, near Fort JSfeade, having been found and taken from the swamps 
<jf Pease Creek Pdvex-, fossils of an extraordinary sized animal now extinct. 

I will say, in conclusion, that our climate is serene, genial, and uniform, the difference 
between winter and sunnner being very little, and the ranges of the thei'uiometer during 
the whole year is circumscribed to within very narrow limits. "Warmer in winter and 
cooler in summer than any other pari of the State, the climate being equal to that of the 
7nost favored regions of the globe," thereby offering superior inducements to the immi- 
grant who seeks" for a home of repose, of peace, health, and plenty. And to the stranger 
of energetic proclivities, the citizens of the county will extend a coi-dial and hospitable 
welcome. Wliishing that the "Colonist" may meet with the extensive circulation, the 
boon and appreciation it so greatly deserves — redounding as it does, to the interest and 
glory of the .State, I have the honor to be, yoiu's, itc, 

llOBERT LaMARTIN. 

TROPICAL FLORIDA. 

The following letter was written some time ago by Hon. AV. 11. (neasoii. late Lieuten- 
ant-Governor, and }mblished by order of (Governor Walker: 
H'lK Excellcne>i , D. S. Walker, O'vi'cnior : 

Sir: — Agreeably to your request, 1 will undertake to give you a description of the 
southern portion of Florida, through which 1 ha^■e been traveling for the past few months, 
its products, its capabilities, and its resources. My examinations have been confined prin- 
cipally to that portion of the State south of the railroad leading from Jacksonville to 
Cedar Keys, and, more particular!}-, south of the 28th deg. of latitude, which 1 shall de- 
nominate as Tropical Florida. 

This portion of the State com}>rises an area of 20,000,1)00 square nules, and a popula- 
tion, previous to the war, of about 6,000 inhabitants. The population has not materially 
diminished, as there is quite an immigration tending in that direction, and is sufficient al- 
ready to compensate for its losses occasioned by the war. About one-half of this popula- 
tion reside upon the island of Key "West and the neighboring keys and islands, and are 
engaged in the business of wrecking and fishing, w bile a large proportion of the remain- 
ing one-half are engaged in the raising of cattle. Farming and the growing of crops has 
hitherto been neglected, and has been confined principally- to small i)atclu's or gardens 
around the houses of the woodsmen. 

The raising of cattle upon the mainland is the all-absorbing business of the inhabitants, 
who reside fi-oni 30 to 40 nules apart, and allow the cattle to graze upon the public do- 
main. As the food disappears in one place, they change to another, so that the people 
have become migratory in their habits. 

The raising of cattle upon the plains and prairies of this portion of the State is a profit- 
able business. It is not unconnnou to find men who, a few years ago, had no means, that 
are now the owners of from two to ten thousand head of cattle, and this after furnishing 
large nundjers to the armies of Lee and Johnson. The country is divided into hammocks, 
])inc-openings, and prairies. The hammocks are very rich, and are covered over with a 
dense growth of timber, consisting of live and water oaks, m.agnolia, bay, and a variety 
of other hard-wood timber. The soil is sandy and mixed with marl and limestone. The 
])ine-openings are covered with scattering pines and a grass which affords fine pasturage. 
The soil is sandy and not as desirable as the hammock lands or prairieg. The prairie lands 
occui)y the interior portion <jf the State bordtsring upon the Kissiinee river, the head wa- 
ters of the St. Johns, and the upper Caloosahatchee. The soil is a rich, sandy alluvium, 
and they are covered over with a heavy growth of grass, and from their a^jpearance, must 
be very protluctive. They are ilotted over with small clumps of hammocks, containing 
from one to five acres each, w hich give beauty and variety to the scenery, and afford shel- 
ter during the heat of the day to innumerable herds of deer and cattle. Tlierc^ are also 
numerous small lakes of pure water, filled with fish, some of which are only a few rods in 
extent, while others are from two to ten miles in length. These prairies are the paradise 
of the herdsmen and the hunter. 

The cattle require no feeding during the winter, and one can hardly travel over the 
jn-airies a whole day without seeing from 50 to 100 deer. The savannas wliicli border on 
I lie Everglades and Biscayne Baj-, are inundated during the rainy season from an over- 
flow from the Everglades. As the water subsides, there is left a debris fi'om one-fourth 
ti> one-half inch in depth. This process has been goijig on for centuries, ami has provided 



one of the richesL soils in Uie world. Tlic rich laiidw wliicli skirl the savannas upon tha 
coast side are covered with rotten limestone, and have mixed Avith the vegetable matter 
to that extent that the soil will effervcce as soon as it comes in contact with acids. Tliese 
savannas are valuable for sugar plantations, as the sugar cane requires a large per centagc 
of lime, and the climate is so mild that the cane will not require planting oftener than 
once in ten or twelve years. The Palma Christi, or Castor Bean is here perennial, and 
grows to be quite a tree. I saw a number as large as peach trees, twenty feet high. Sea 
Island cotton seems to be a jjerennial in this section of the State, and is of a fine quality. 
The pure water, the chalybeate and other mineral springs, the magnificent beauty of its 
scenery, the salubrity and equability of its climate, must make Biscayne Bay. at no dis- 
tant day, the resort of the invalid, the tourist, and tlie lover of adventure. The bay i.si 
filled with green turtle and a variety of fish, and, indeed, the entire coast of Tropical 
Florida is one immense fishery. At Chaidotte Harbor we found quite a number engaged 
in fishing with seines. The value of the fish caught averages per hand, for the season, 
(three months) $600. 1 doubt if any fishery pays better. The fisheries of Charlotte 
Harbor could profitably give employment to 1 ,000 persons ; and the fisheries at Sarasota 
and Indian river are equally good. Every river, creek and lake seems to be alive with 
fish, and oysters are foiind in great abundance at different places all along tlie coast. 

All that portion of the State which I have denominated Tropical Florida, is capable of 
producing oranges, lemons, limes, arrow-root, cassava, indigo, sisal hemp, sugar cane, sea- 
island cotton, rice, figs, melons of all kinds, as well as the vegetables grown in the more 
nortliern States. The country around Charlotte Harbor and Biscayne Bay is susceptible 
of producing coeoanuts, cocoa, pine-apples, guavas, cofiee, bananas, plantains, alligator 
pears, and all the fruits and plants of the West Indies. 

Like all other tropical countries. Tropical Florida has its wet and dry seasons. The wet 
or rainy season is during midsummer, which has a tendency to cool tlie atmosphere, and 
vender the sunamer months cooler than it is in tlie more northern portions of the State, or 
in other portions of the South. D\iring the rainy season nearly tlie whole country is 
flooded, the country being so flat and level that the water does not flow ofl" readily. A 
great portion of the country requires ditching and draining, and when some systematic 
method shall be adopted to let oft' the surplus water during the rainy season, this portion 
of the State will prove the most productive part of the Soutli. It has but few swamps or 
marshes, unless you consider the Everglades a marsh. They can hardly be considered as 
such, but more properly a lake. The water is from six inches to six feet in depth, is pei-- 
lectly clear, and is grown up with grass, pond lilies, and other aqueous plants. The Al- 
pativkee swamp, upon the liead waters of the St. Lucie river, is the only swamp of any 
magnitude in Tropical Florida ; and this part of the State has less swamps than Northern 
Wisconsin or Michigan. The country north of the 28th dog., east of the St. Johns rivei", 
and south of tlie railroad, is more thickly settled than the part just described. There are 
quite a number of plantations under cultivation, and more attention is paid to agriculture. 
The lands are more rolling than tlie country farther soutli, and produce a fine quality of 
sea-island cotton, which ii the principal crop raised. It produces good sugar and an ex- 
cellent quality of tobacco. Alachua, Marion, and Hernando are all fine counties of lantl 
for farming purposes, and have many beautiful lakes. The country east and soutli of the 
St. Johns river has more swamps than any other part of the State through which we have 
traveled. They are principally covered with cypress timber, and being easy of access 
from the St. Johns and Indian rivers, are valuable. Tlu^re are fine land upon Halifax 
river, Mosquito Lagoon, which, at a former period, were under cultivation, but were aban- 
doned during the Indian war by their owners. I think that there is no part of the South 
that ofters as great inducements to the immigrant as Florida. The salubrity and health- 
fulness ot its climate, the equability of its temperature, its accessibility, the cheapness of 
its lands, the ease with which its products can be marketed, are inducements which are 
not to be overlooked by the Lmraigrant ; and the fact that Tropical Florida is the only por- 
tion of the United States susceptible and capable of producing the fruits and plants of the 
West Indies, needs only to be made known for an immigration to settle in that direction 
to a sufficient extent to supply the Northern cities, and the entire North, with oranges, 
lemons, and all other troi)ical fruits. 

We have traveled upwards of fifteen hundred miles in the newest and most un.^ettled 
portion of the State; we have mixed freely with the people of all classes, and being North- 
ern men, and wishing to learn the sentiments of the people, as well as to cxamtne the 
country, discussed tlie leading questions of the day, the war and its results, negro-suftragc, 
and, in fact, everything connected with the war and secession. We were everywhere 
hospitably received, and although many did not agree Avith us in all our views, all agreed 
that hereafter the grievances of the South, or of any portion of the country, must be set- 
tled in accordance Avith law and tlie Constitution, upon the floor of Congress, and not by 
a resort to nrnis. An immijjration from the Noi-th will be welcomed by a large majority 



I 



59 

ijf the ijeupk', and aliiiosi uvevy one is anxious to see the State settled ii|i and fully devel- 
oped. A northern man of the most radical views is perfectly safe in traveling through 
any portion of Southern Florida, and to give full vent to his ideas and sentiments. The 
people have no real love for tlie Is^orth as a section, but they will treat Northern men with 
respect and courtesy, and will encourage them to settle. 

All seem to be heartily sick of tlie war, and we heard no expression of hostility to the 
general government. On tlie contrary, the feeling seems to be, upon the part of many 
who Avere formerly seces.sionists, to carry out and enforce the laws, and they will give 
tiicir aid and sanction in so doing. Like all new countries in the South and West, the 
laws have been loosely carried into effect, and the people have heretofore been in the habit 
of settling their grievances without an appeal to the law; but things, as near as we could 
learn, have changed for the better in that respect since the war. 

Respectfully yours, WM. 11. GLEASON. 

LETIEK TO GKX. CI! AISLES JIUXDEE FKO^St AV. H. GLEASOX. 

Miami, Fla., September 3, 1S68. 

Agreeably to }onv rL'(|uesl, i will endeavor to give you a description of this portion of 
tlie State, extending from Jupiter's Inlet to Cape Sable, including the Keys and Islands 
along the reefs and Everglades. The Keys are a series of islands extending along the 
south coast, from Cape Florida to the Dry Tortugas, lying between the mainland and the 
Florida rcefs'i aud Avithiu from three to five miles of the Gulf Stream. They are of a simi- 
lar character, being of general formation and very rock}^ Some are only a few acres in 
extent, while others contain as man}- as 15,000 acres. Cayo Largo is the largest. These 
Keys are only a few feet above tide water, and are principally covered with a growth of 
hard wood timber, consisting of mastic, red and sweet bay, gumbo-limbo, crabwood, pal- 
metto, mangrove, and a variety of oaks. The land is too rocky to admit of general culti- 
vation, but is well adapted to the growth of cocoanuts, aloes, sisal hemp, and pine-apples, 
all of which seem to live on a rocky soil and grow here with but very little attention. 

Between these Keys and the mainland is Barnes' Sound and Biscayne Bay. Barnes' 
Sound and Card's Sound are intersjoersed with innumerable small kej's, covered with man- 
groves, and are under water at high tides, and are the resort of snipe, curlew, and other 
birds. 

In both of these sounds and Biscayne Bay arc great quantities of turtle, and sponges of 
the finest and best varieties. The sponges and turtle taken from these waters exceed 
$100,000 in value per annum. 

The bay and all the passages between the Keys and the streams running into the bay 
from the mainland are well supplied with a great variety of lish, such as mullet, sheep- 
head, grouper, etc., while incredible quantities of king-fish and Spanish mackerel are 
caught on the border of the Gulf Stream. 

Biscayne B.ay is an excellent harbor for all vessels drawing less than ten feet of water, 
and can be entered at all times. The Everglades are a vast shallow lake, overgrown with 
grass, pond lilies, and other aquatic plants, interspersed with innumerable small islands of 
from one to one hundred acres each. These islands are principally hammock lands cover- 
ed over with a growth of live and water-oaks and cocoa plums, with an undergrowth of 
morning glories, grapes, and other vines, and are extremely fertile. The water is from 
four inches to four feet deep, and is very clear and pure. In many places are channels 
and sinks where the water is from ten to fifty feet deep ; these holes are well supplied with 
fish, of which the trout is the most desirable. Alligators and turtle are abundant, and 
panthers, wild cats, and bears arc quite numerous. 

Flowers of the sweetest fragrance, and of every hue and color, greet the eye. The bor- 
der and outer margin of the Everglades is prairie of from one-fourth to one mile in 
breadth, and comprises some of the finest and richest land in America, having once been 
a portion of the Everglades, and formed by the receding of the waters. The soil is sandy, 
with a mixture of lime and vegetable matter, and freely effervesces when brought in con- 
tact witli acids. 

The strip of land between Biscayne Bay and the Everglades is from tln-ee to fifteen 
miles in breadth, and is principally rocky pine land, with an undergrowth of a species of 
Sago Palm, called by the Indians "Koonitie," which name has been generally adopted by 
the whites. It makes a very good article of starch, and excellent gavini, which cannot 
be distinguished from "Jjernuula arrow-root, except by microscopic tests. 

This section of the country has evidently been an uplift or upheaval, as tlio rock dips at 
an angle of about twenty-three degrees, and slopes both toward the Bay and the Ever- 
glades. The rock, in many places, is in circular form, and is coral. 

I'lie soil is sandy, which, mixing with the decomposed lime of the coral rock, forms an 

' client and inexhaustible soil for grajjcs and sugar cane. The country north of Bis- 
■ , ne Bay, towards Jupiter Inlet, is of a siinilar char.-ictcr to that already described, with 



60 

the cxcc))tion tlial. there its no rock. Fiiiu sprhigs of water are found in different localities, 
and bnrst forth with great force; some of these are mineral springs, princii)ally chalybe- 
ate. 8ea-Island cotton is grown here, and it is a perennial, and can be picked several 
times each j-ear. Grapes flourisli well, and are not subject to mildew, and ripen about 
the middle of May. Tobacco raised along tlie Bay will compare with the best of Cuba. 
Bananas, plantains, oranges, cofi'ee, dates, pine-apples, rice, indigo, sugar, apples, arrow- 
root, cassava, all grow and thrive well, and the garden vegetables of the Northern and 
Middle States. Indigo, when once sown, remains in the ground and rattoons as it is cut 
off. Sugar cane rattoons and requires planting only once from four to five years. Sugar 
cane can be raised here with less labor than in Cuba, as the land is easier cultivated ; and 
a sugar plantation can be made for one-fifth of the money which it can in Louisiana. 

This section of the State is capable of producing all of the different products of the 
West Indies ; and there is no doubt that, M'hen tliis portion of the country becomes known, 
it will be rapidly developed. 

Sea-Island cotton can be raised with half the labor that is required in the northern part 
of this State or in South Carolina, as this is beyond the region of frost. The climate is 
very agreeable, being tempered by the Gulf Stream. It is not as warm here in summer 
as in New York, or as cold in winter as in Cuba, as we have no mountains or high eleva- 
tions of land. Tlie thermometer averages 7^1 degrees, and the extremes are 51 degrees 
and 92 degrees. 

There is a constant sea breeze off the Gulf stream, commencing about 8 o'clock a. m., 
and lasting until nearly sundown. The climate is very exhilierafing, and a white man 
can do as nnich labor in a day as in any portion of the United States. 

The constant Indian wars, which have been more severely felt in this county than iu 
any other portion of this State, have retarded its growth and prevented its development. 

Biscayne Bay is within four days of New York, and is tlie best locality in the United 
States for raising vegetables and fruit for that market. All kinds of vegetables can be 
raised in the winter, and pinc-applcs and limes are three weeks earlier at this place than 
in the Bahamas or Cuba. 

Grapes ripen from the 15th of May to the 1st of June, and lands can be purchased at 
the government price; and the healthfulness of the climate, for which it is noted, even 
here in Florida, will have a tendency to settle up this portion of the State as peace and 
quiet are restored. Yours, itc, W. II. GLEASOX. 



SUGAR CANE. 

Sweet potatoes, cotton, corn, sugar cane, tobacco, rice, peaches, oranges, lemons, citronr, 
grapes, melons and garden vegetables may be said to be the leading staple crops of Florida. 
And of all these, sugar cane lias gradually been winning its way in general estimation as 
taking the lead of the whole for desirability, for the cerlainty of the ci-op and the profit 
attending its cultivation. 

ITeart-sick of the manifold vicissitudes attending a reliance upon tlie cultivation of cotton 
alone, multitudes of tlie best cultivators of the State are turning towards other crops, and 
by a general and rapidly increasing public sentiment, cane is believed to be, /wr excellent. 
fhe crop of Florida. It is more cei'tain, less exacting, more simi)le in its management, 
occupies less time, is sulgect to less danger and gives a more profitable return than cotton, 
and probably equals, if it does not excel, any otlier crop in tliese particulars. But to tht' 
new-comer it is a cro]i entirely unknown, and such hesitate to engage in it on that accouut. 
It seems important, therefoi-e, both to commend this crop to new-comers and to enforce its 
claims to the attention of all, that correct and reliable information in regard to it, its cul- 
tivation and its claims to consideration, should be disseminated as widely as pos.sible. I 
have therefore deemed it advisable to gather from all attainable sources such information 
in regard to sugar cane as is within my reach, and embody it in a i)raciical essay to be 
herein incorporated. Ileliance has been mainly liad u[)oii the New American Encyclope-;! 
dia, the London Encyclopedia, the Latent Uflice Lejiorts, and also iqion conversations" 
with practical men and their written jiroductions, that are reliable and attainable through 
the news])aper and periodical press. 

Believing in the desirability of cane as a leading crop in the State, witli full faith in its 
luci-ativeness, the aim is not to produce a pretentious essay, but simply to fairly and fully 
set forth its real claims and to furnish such plain and fundamental hints as to its manage- 
ment as v.'ill otter good indncements to ncw-<'omers, who may bo unacquainted vrith it. to 
enter u'">oii il-' cidiir-nlion. 



(U 
SUGAR rXSK NOT A XOVKI/l Y. 

.Sii;^-ar, recently and iiniverisally roi>'anlc(l as a leading jieeessarj el' human life, allhoui;!! 
known and used by ]>ovtions of the race for many centuries, has only at a comparatively 
recent period come into ijeneral and common use. It was undoubtedly referred to in tlio 
Old Testament as the product of a sweet cune, and was probably known and used at that 
date by tlie nations of the East. It was lirst introduced to the nations of Juirojie by the 
conquests of Alexander the Great. Strabo states it to have licen found in the East Indies 
some 300 years before Christ, and it was alluded to by Theoplirastus ; and Varro who 
lived 63 years before Christ; and, indeed, it is mentioned or referred to by many others 
of the ancient writers as being found in Arabia and the East Indies. 

The Saracens introduced sugar cane into lUiodes, ('yprus, Crete and Sicily in the '.Uh 
century, and very ■soon the cultivation and manufacture of sugar were established in tlie 
Levant. It was introduced into Venice as early as 9f)(), and in the 12th c:entury was 
largelj' exported from Egyjjt a7id from Sicily. And the cane was quite widely spread, 
too. Thunberg found it in Japan in l'r84; Osbach found it in China in 1*751 ; Marco Polo 
in 1250, reported it in Bengal; Yasco de Gama, wlio first doubled the Cape of Good 
Hope, in 1497, reported a considei-able ti-ade in sugar in Calicut; Diascorides and Pliny 
state it to be a native of Arabia; Mr. Bruce found it in Egypt; in 1500 it was reported in 
Xubia. at Thebes, and in other parts of Northern Africa. The Crusaders found it in the 
East anil brought it back with them to Europe, and it was found in Hispaniola or vSainL 
Domingo diu"ing the second voyage of Columbus. Indeed, there is a very strong proba- 
bility that sugar cane is an indigenous production of the West as well as the East Indies, 
and quite widely spread before tl'.e advent of Europeans to this continent, and that the 
West is indebted to the I'^ast not for the introduction, but only fn- improved methods of 
cultivating and manufacturing, sugar cane. 

vai;if;hks (if <am: cclttvatki) in Louisiana. 

The planters of Louisiana cultivate live dilierent varieties of cane: the Bourbon, the 
Green-llibbon, the Iled-Ribbon, Otaheite, and the Creole cane. 

1. The Bourbon cane is very extensively cultivated. I found it ahnost the only kind of 
cane raised on some plantations. It has a good coating of silica, which forms a strong 
protection against the cold; the dark color of its cortex increases the absor))tion of light 
and accelerates its maturity. It is thought a hardy cane, rattoons well and yields good 
sugar. It has large eyes which resemble those of the red-ribbon, and somewhat the eyes 
of the Creole, and withstands the influence of a slight frost. 

2. The Green-Ribbon is undoubtedly a different cane, not only from its light yellow 
eolor but also from the difference of its shape and the formation of its eyes. The cortex 
is less strong than that of the Bourbon. It _vields well but is much more ensily affected 
by frost than the former. 

3. The Red-llibbon. jicxt t(» the Bourbon, is the most extensively cultivated in Louisi- 
ana. It is a beautiful cane, and its purple stripes vary from one inch to a line in width. 
Like the Bourbon, it has a strong coating of silica, Avhicli makes it more h.ardy and capa- 
ble of resisting a slight frost. Its eyes are in shape and size like those of the Bourbon, 
and are less affected by the inclemency of the weath.er than the Green-Ribbon, Otaheite 
or Creole cane. It rattoons well, yields well, and the juice from the ripe cane is rich in 
sugar. 

4. nie Otaheite cane has large joints, but grows lesi high, and its cortex is les.!i thick 
than in the former species; its eyes are of a very delicate structure. This cane does Jiot 
rattoon M-ell, which must ba ascrii)ed to its delicate oyo^i. It is easily afi'ected by the 
frost, in consequence of Vihich little i^ cultivated, although its jnico is rich and yields very 
abundantly. 

5. The Creole cane, formerly extensively cultivated, has been nearly superseded by 
the Bourbon mul Red-Ribbon, on account of their hardy nature. In the vicinity of- 
New Orleans it is raised for eating, in small patclies. Its cortex is easily crushed, and 
yields a rich juice, from which a superior kind of sugar is made. Its eyes are rather 
small, but bvrger than those of the Otaheite, and resemble those of the Bonrlion and Red- 
Ribbon. This cane grows short, with straight leaves and droojnng like those of the 
Bourbon and Red-Ribbon. 

SOILS ADAPTED TO CANK. 

The Loudon Ihicyclopedia says: "The soil most favorable to the cultivation of cane is 
the dark gi*ay loam of the island of St. Christopher, which is so light and porous as to be 
penetraVile by t!ie sliafhtest. ap]dication of the l)pp, • Next tO tho ashy loam of St, Chris- 



(yj, 



LO])her, is the soil which in Jiunaica is ciillcil brick mould; not as resembling- brick in 
color, but as containing such a duo mixture of clay and sand as is supposed to render it 
well adajjted for the use of tlio kiln. It is a deep, warm and mellow hazel earth, easily 
worked; and though its surface soon gTows dry after a rain, the under stratum retains a 
considerable degree of moisture in the driest weather. After this comes the black mould 
cartli of several varieties of Barbadoes, Antigua, and the other Windward Islands." 

>[ETnOD OF PIIOPAGATIOX. 

Sugar cane, like other similar plants, has blossoms and what appears to be seeds, but 
whether from want of perfection in the seed or from custom founded on experience, it is 
never attempted to be propagated from seed, but is raised from "cuttings" so called. In- 
deed, a very competent English authority, Mr. Wray, in the "Practical vSugar Planter," 
saj-s: "As I have often been applied to on the subject, and have instituted many inquiries 
and experiments, in order to satisfy myself and others, I take this opportimity of stating 
what I have ascertained on this point. First, that no variety of sugar cane is known to 
perfect its seed, (or indeed to produce anything like seed) either in India, China, the' 
Straits of Malacca, Egj'pt or in the South Sea Islands ; as in all those countries the cane 
is entirely propagated by cuttings. Second, I have myself tried numerous methods which 
1 imagined miglit by some possibility cause the plant to perfect seed." 

Sugar cane grows in joints of from 3 to 6 or 9 inches in length, like the reeds used for 
fishing poles, with a sort of partition between each two joints of a hard vegetable sub- 
stance. At or near each of these partitions, on one side of the cane, is an eye, which is 
always exactly opposite to the eye attached to the next joint above or below. So that 
the eyes on a i)erfect cane tog-ether form two rows of eyes on opposite sides of the cane. 
From each of these eyes, when covered with earth to the proper depth, proceed the 
sprouts and roots which constitute in time the complete cane. 

MODES OF PLAXTIXCi. 

Cane is planted in the Soutii, either in drills or ii} hills, and each method has its special 
advocates. If in drills, double furrows are drawn across the field at a distance of from 
three to five or more feet from each other, and the canes, either whole, or in pieces con- 
taining two to four joints, are laid, usually in double or triple lines, in the furrow and 
lightly covered to a depth of two inches, in Spring planting, and five or six inches if 
planted in the Fall, requiring greater depth for protection in Winter. 

If the cane is to be planted in hills, three heavy furrows, doubled if necessary, are run 
across the f -r*''!, at the required distances apart, which must be the line of the rows one 
way, and cross-furrows are run to mark the place of the hills in the row. At the inter- 
section of the furrows two pieces of cane, each containing tsvo to four eyes, are carefully 
dropped and then lightly covered. In which ever way the cane may be planted care must 
be taken that none of the eyes are turned downward, for this always retards and some- 
times prevents the sprouting of the cane. 

Each way of planting has its advocates, and tJie drill-planting method is more 
v.'idely prevalent. Drill-planting requires more seed, and probably will secure a larger 
number of canes; while it is claimed that hill-planting, in addition to requiring less seed, 
V, ill give much tlie larger canes and as many as the land will thoroughly sustain. 

The conviction is becoming general among planters of experience that the value of the 
crop is more apt to be injured I'rom planting too much than too little seed, and that rows 
and hills should be farther apart than is customary. In Mr. Flcichman's report to the 
Patent office, lie says: "There exists a great difl"ereuce of opinion among the Louisiana 
planters with regard to the distance that cane should be jilanted apart. Many still adhere 
to the old mode of iilanting, that is, in rows from three to five feet, while others plant it, 
with great advanta<;e, eight feet apart, or at such distance that the carts and cattle strad- 
dle the rows in carting cane from the field without injury to the rattoon." 

I have seen cane planted at eiglit feet, which was so luxuriant in its growth tliat the 
rays of the sun could scared}' penetrate, although it was a field planted with cane for 
twenty successive years, and had only tlie year previous a crop of Indian corn and peas 
on it; tiiat one year's rest, wide planting, and projier cultui'e, gave it such a vigorous 
growth as I never saw in agricultural produce. Mr. Ooo. L. Squier & Brother, in their 
Sugar Slanual, remark as follows : 

"There is great diversity of opinion and practice among cane planters with regard to 
the distance the rows shoidd be apart, and different individuals plant all the way from 
three to twelve feet apart. But the weight of authority seems to be in favor of planting 
T'Om G to feet apart, or so that the cai'ts and cattle can straddle the rows in carting tlie 



cane Iroiu tlie field without, injury lo tiie stubble, iconic very wondci'ful results have been 
attained by planting tlie ri)\vs 12 I'ect apart. 

"The foilowiuii; plan has been tried with ii;ood result.-i, and has many points to commend 
it: Lay otl" the ground in rows six feet apart; plant two rows of corn and two of cane. 
In the corn, peas may be planted to enrich the land, and it may be farther heavily man- 
ured after the corn is gathered. The cane will aflbrd a good crop of stubble the second 
year. I'lant the corn and peas also the second year. Tlien in the fall after the <'orn i>i 
gathered prepare the corn ground for cane, and cut the cane from the rows along side antl 
plant before the grinding season. The atlvantages of this system are these : The ijlant- 
ing is done early, inline weather; all hauling and matting of the cane is saved, and sound 
cane is secured.'with no risk of its spoiling in the mat. This mode gives an alternation 
of two years of cane and two years of corn and peas, with an opportunity to cultivate 
and enrich the soil, and gives nearly or quite as great a yield of sugar to the acre, be- 
sides a very good crop of corn." 

K.VTT0OXrN(! 

Cane does not of necessity re(juire replanting every year, the stalks being cut in the fall. 
From the same roots, in the next year, unless the root is injured by cold, drougth or ex- 
cess of moisture, there springs a second growth of sprouts similar to the first. This sub- 
sequent repeated growth from the same root is called rattooning, and may be repeated 
from year to year for several years. The value of these succeeding or rattooning crops 
is variously e'stimated, some asserting that it continually deteriorates after the second 
year, and others maintainuig that with care it may be rattooned iudeiiniteij'. 

The conunon opinion is that replanting is necessary once in 3 or 4 years. But Judge 
Dupont, of Quincy, in Gadsden county, one of the northern counties in this State, told 
me that he had raised cane from the rattoon six successive years without either diminu- 
tion or deterioration. 

1 am informed that on the lands of Indian river, the nineteenth croj) of cane from the 
same planting, and on the shores of Lake Worth, cane is now growing which has not 
been replanted since the early Indian wars. The probability is that the character of the 
rattoon and the extent of their repetition depends upon the quality of the original seed, 
the cultivation and the fertilization it has received. 

MODE OF CULTIVATION OF CANK. 

The cultivation of cane is almost exactly the same as that given by good farmers to 
corn, and is so nearly similar that special description is not necessxry. Like corn, it re- 
quires to be kept clean of weeds and grass, and thorough tillage, and if any difference 
exists, it is in this, that cane Avill, more surely than even corn, repay the cultivator for 
frequent and deeper cultivation. 

SELECTION OF SEED. 

It is as true of cane as of many and indeed of most other crops, that a heavy per cen- 
tage of loss is incurred in its cultivation from carelessless and pinching economy in the 
selection of seed. As with every other known crop, good seed, other things being equal, 
will produce good fruit, and vice versa. In reference to this point, Mr. Fleichman well 
observes : "It is with cane as with all other plants; imperfect seed produces a poor plant 
and bad fruit. The planter cannot expect that seed-cane with delicate, imperfect eyes 
and short joints will produce a cane like one of vigorous growth, with perfectly well de- 
veloped eyes and and a great deal of juice, which supports the young shoot till its roots 
arc strong enough to obtain nourishment from the soil. The young sprout from poor 
cane is less able to support the inclemency of the climate and is more liable to disease." 
And he goes on to make some remarks as applicable to Louisiana, which apply with near- 
ly equal force to cane growing in Northern Florida. "In the ^Yest Indies, wo are told, 
tiie few upper joints of the plant nearest the leaves, conmionlj' designated as the 'cane- 
tops,' are used for seed-cane. In the West Indies, where the cane arrives to perfect ma- 
turity, where every joint is ripe, and every eye well developed, tlic top joints may an.- 
swer ; but in Louisiana, where the cane is never entirely matured, where it must be cut 
before the upper joints are formed, the tops are not fit seed, and the result must necessa- 
rily be bad." 

TIME OF I'J-ANTIXG. 

In the West Indies, where no danger is to be apprehended from frost, cane is almost 
universally planted in the Fall, at the time of euttin.g; but in Louisiana and the northern 



fi4 

lialf of Florida, tlio Si)ring, IVoiii Februai^ to April is the safer time, wiiile in Central aiul 
Southern Florida the Fall doubtless would be the best, being equally safe and saving- any 
extra handling of the eane-seed. which is injured in keeping over winter. 

i'};ESEi;VAT10N 0\' CAXIC AM) I'JIOTEC 'I'lON AGAIASl' CulJ). 

"Whenever cold weather prevails in the V»'inter, of a degree sullieient lo freeze or injure 
cane, such cane as it becomes uecesssary to i)rcserve for grinding at a later period or for 
seed, is secured against the effect of cold weather by a ]irocess of very simple character 
called "matting." Matting consists in throwing the cane after being cut, into beds nf 
such thickness and so arranged, that the overlapping or covering of the butts of one por- 
tion by the tops of another will insure sufficient protection. Beginning at one end of a 
bed 10 to 20 or more feet in width, the newly cut cane is tlirowu upon the ground from 
six inches to a foot or more in thickness across the width of the bed, the toi)S projecting 
outward, the butts of the cane so laid arc then covered with the tops of other parcels and 
so on, giving to the bed when finished a thickness of from 1-1 to 3 feet, according to the 
expected degree of cold, and continuing it in length as far as necessary. And when fin- 
ished the sides and ends are covered with dirt, raul if severe cold is apprehended, the top 
also. 

i'jioTJ':(TiX(i riiK noov:-.. 

in cold cliuuites, and in i»roporlion to the degree of cold aiiprehended, the roots of tlu- 
cane upon wdiich reliance is had for rattooning, nnist receive more or less protection. 
This is accomplished by first throwing the refuse leaves and tops which remain after liar- 
vest upon the roots or stubble of the cane, and then additional protection is accomplished 
by running a furrow close to and on each side of the drill, tluis turning a furrow of dirt 
upon it, and thus it remains till Spring, v.'hen the refuse or "trash" is raked olf aiul soon 
new shoots sjiring up from the okl roots. 

FEirriLIZATIOX'. 

Cane is a plant of so succulent a nature, and of such strong growth, that it must of lu- 
cessity be an exhaustive crop, and requires a deep, strong soil for favorable results. There- 
fore frequent and thorough fertilization is an essential condition precedent to success. 
Indeed one look at a thrifty growth of caiie of full size is enough to convince any one that 
it is hardly possible to give too much stinudus in the way of proper food to this crop. 

While cane is one of the most certain of all known crops, and one of the hardiest, that 
will tolerate a degree of neglect that would be fatal to almost any other crop, yet it as cer- 
tainly resi^onds to deep and frequent cultivation and generous feeding as anj^ crop tliat 
can be cited, and in its varying result of from 500 to 5000 pounds of sugar to tlie acre, will 
bear unmistakable testimony to tlie degree of care awarded it. 

SIZE OF SUGAll CAXK. 

In Louisiana, says Mr. Fleichmnn, "the length of the ripe joints varies ; those of the 
Bourbon and Red "llibbon varying from four to nine inches in length. The cane cut for 
grinding measures from three to live feet in length. I saw some over eight feet high and 
with from tM-enty-four to twenty-eight good joints, but they are rare instances." 

The New American Encyclopedia says : "It grows in a succession of joints, or rather 
nodes, from 4 to '20 feet high and the stem is 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The Otaheite 
grows in Jamaica, it is said, to the height of 10 to 12 feet the lii-st year, with stems six 
inches in circumference, and joints six inches apart." 

Tlie London Encyclopedia saj's : "The sugar cniw ov f<iicch)crnin oJjiviiiarHui of Botan- 
ists, is a jointed reed, connnoidy measuring (the flag jiart not included) from three and a 
lialf to seven feet in height, but sometiTucs rising to twelve feet." 

Mr. Bcckford, an eminent English authority, in his account of Jamaica saj's : "It, in 
common rises from 3 to 8 feet or more in height; a dilference of growth very stronglj- 
marks' the difference of soil or the varieties of culture." 

YIELD TO THE AC'liE. 

The Jjondon Encycloi)ediasays that cane jdanted in particular spots in St. Christopher's 
Island have yielded 8,000 pounds of measured sugar to tiie acre, and the average crop is 
nearly two hogslu'ads of IC) cwt. jter acre for tlu^ M'hdie of the land in i-ipe cane. 



65 

In tile new Auaericau Encyclopedia, it is stated : "The yield of augar in tlie Mouthern 
States is from 500 to 2,000 pounds to the acre ; in the West Indies, 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. 
and in the East Indies, the highest product is about 7,000 pounds." 

.VDAPTABIJ.ITy OK FLOUIDA TO THK (;ULTL'ItK OK OAXE. 

No topic of greater practical and innuodiate importance can possibly be brought to the 
attention of the farmers and planters of the State ; for much as has been said and written 
upon the matter of cane culture in Florida, the real value of this crop, and full adapta- 
tion of our State to its successful cultivation, are as yet unknown to most of our people, 
and fully appreciated by few. 

In the pamphlet prepared lor the State are statements that cane can be grown on almost 
any of the soil.s o.*' the State, on some, of course, more successfully than others ; that in 
far the greater portion of the State it rattoons, or springs up from the old roots, and so 
does not for several years require re-planting ; that it produces more larg'ely and ia more 
easily cultivated in Florida than in any other State, not excepting Louisiana; that 1600 
lbs. of sugar and 300 gallons of molasses have been raised to the acre, «fec. 

Doubts have occasionally arisen as to the correctness of these statements, and opinions 
expressed that they must have been exaggerated, for, otherwise, everybody would imme- 
diately go into sugar cane culture. 

The superiority of Florida over any other section of the United States in adaptability 
to the growth of cane, is mainly based upon her milder climate, the greater length of the 
.reasons, and the correspondingly longer growth and larger size of the cane. In Mr. 
Fleichman's report, from three to five feet is given as the average size of cane when har- 
vested, while in Florida from five to seven may be taken as the average size of the cane 
over the whole State, extending from north to south nearly 40O miles, and with fair cul- 
ture, 8, H\ 12 feet are quite connuon lengths. Florida is so located, geographically be- 
tween the Gulf and the Gulf Stream, and is of such peninsular form and of such narrow 
width, that its climate is essentially ameliorated by its being constantly traversed by the 
soft and balmy wind.s of both Ocean and Gulf, and thereby so much better fitted for the 
growth of cane and tropical finiits. 

In an article on sugar cane, in the new American Encyclopedia, the climatic disadvan- 
tages attending the cultivation of the sugar cane in Louisiana, are stated as follows : 

"Yet, the climate of Louisiana itself is rather north of that best suited to the plant, 
the cane being frequently killed by the frost after starting in the spring, and at maturity 
in the latter })artof October and in November, the effect of which is to materially dimin- 
ish its production of sugar. In 1857 injurious frosts thus occurred in April, as late as the 
'i'2d, and on the 10th and 2nth of November, in November, 1859, the cold was very se- 
vere on the I'ith, latii, 14th, and 15th, in all j)arts of Loiiisiana, the thermometer on the 
14th standing at 25 deg. F. at New Orleans, anil thick ice being formed in the most south- 
ern parishes. The effect of this was that the cane was everywhere frozen, and land which 
liad previously given above two hogsheads to the acre, yielding barely half a hogshead, 
and this of inferior quality. The climate is also subject to long continued drougths, which 
seriously injure the growing crops." 

But in Florida frosts are of infrequent occtwrence and in South Florida are unknown. 
Of the few frosts that do occur, instances as early as November or as late as April, have 
been known only at intervals of years. 

It may be stated that the statements of the pamphlet arc all susceptible of abundant 
verification, aiul are carefully made to fall considerably within the limits of ascertained 
facts ; and in order to show the agricultural importance of the culture of cane to the peo- 
ple of Florida, it may be well to give some account of what has been done as ascertained 
by authentic accounts from men of undoubted character tlnd veracity. 

General Cassadey, in a jiaper I'cad befoi'e the Putnam County Agricultural Society, 
says : "It is a circumstance of frequent and common occurrence with us for $300 and 
over to be realized from the produce of sugar and molasses made from the cane grown on 
one acre only of our common pine lauds, enriched by cow-penning." 

Judge Dupont has known in one instance 10, and in another 21, and another gentleman 
speaks of 24 barrels of syrup made to the acre in C^adsden county, one of the northern 
counties of Fhjrida. 

Statistical rctiirns from Marion, Alachua, Suwannee, and (.)rangc counties make 2,500 
lbs. of sugar jicr acre an average return for good cultivation. Accounts from Hernando 
county give 2,600, 3,400, and 3,600 lbs. of sugar as the actual product per acre of three 
sugar crops in 1860, in that county, thus giving an average of 3,200 lbs. to the acre. 
This, at 15 cts. per lb., will give an average product of |480 per acre. 

It is computed that one gallon of syrup will mak« five jiound.'^ of Kugar. 20 bbl.^. of 40 



06 

■f^allons oacli of syrup, therefore, would give four thousand i)ounds of siigai', and four 
hogsheads of sugar have been made to ihe acre in this Statf. 

In my office may now be seen a cane grown along the railroad on pine land in Sander- 
sou, more than seven feet in length. In Middle and South Florida it grows to ten and 
twelve feet in height^ and in South Florida has grown to the height of seventeen feet. 
There it matures, tassels, and produces seed. 

There are millions of acres in our State that can and will produce easily two thousand 
pounds of sugar to the acre ; and many of our most intelligent planters firmly believe that 
the pine lands fertilized wUl produce a better (juality of sug.ir than can be raised on the 
black, so-called, "sugar lands." An actual trial proves that a compost of muck or marl is 
the best possible fertilizer for the sugar cane, and uuick and marl abound everwhere. 

Good cultivation will accomplish wonders with cane. It is known that one small plan- 
ter near Picolata, during the past year, with no help excejit his own little boy, made from 
two acres of land forty barrels of sugar and five hundred gallons of syrup. Well cultiva- 
ted, one acre of fair land will produce from twenty-five to thirty -five thousand canss. Seed 
cane has been sold in Jacksonville, within a week, at thirty-five dollars per thousand. 

Why do not more men go into cane culture V 

There are several answers to this very natural question. First, The real value of this 
crop, and the perfect adaptation to it of our se)il and climate, have not been fully known ; 
Second, There has heretofore been a difficulty in procuring seed ; Third, There has pre- 
vailed an opinion that, though profitable when cultivated on a large scale, requiring much 
capital, it would not pay the small cultivator having limited means ; Fourth, Until latterly, 
the machinery necessary for expressing the juice and manufacturing the sugar has been 
vei-y expensive, not within the reach of small planters. 

All these obstacles are rapidly disappearing, and more sensible and better founded opin- 
ions are beginning to prevail. And now at last mechanical ingenuity has come to our 
aid, and many varieties of sugar mills and evaporators are oftered to those who desire to 
go into the raising and manufacture of sugar. A cursory inspection of the various miUs 
now presented to the choice of the sugar })lanter will convince any one that now, at least, 
the expensiveness of the necessary machinery need not deter any from sugar })lanting. 

Deeply interested in the extension of sugar planting in our State, fully believing that 
Florida "can easily become the Sugar State of the Union, and fully aware that a wrong- 
idea of the jjfreat expense of the necessary machinery has o])erated as a bug-bear to deter 
many from entering upon this exceedingly profitable culture, I deem it entirely proper to 
call the attention of our planters, and all those who are hesitating to embark in the culti- 
vation of sugar cane, to the great varict}^ of sugar mills now offered by the merchants of 
our city. Mills can be seen here that have ground one hundred gallons in twenty-one 
minutes, and are sold at $225. There are mills of all sizes, and adapted to the wants of 
any individual planter, or those of a neighborhood, and vary in price from $60 to $250. 
An inspection of these mills will be full of interest to the practical planter, and as well to 
him who would fairly estimate the capacity and adaptation of Florida to the cultivation 
of sugar cane. 

PRODUCTIONS OF FLORIDA. 

So much has been said of the vast scope of vegetable growth in Florida, that it i« a 
cause of suprise to all strangers, and suspicion to many ; as though there might be well- 
grounded suspicion of exaggeration or over-statement. On this account it is deemed best 
to refer to some of the older standard writers on this subject. 

In the "Observations" of Charles Vignolles, jiublished in New York in 1823, on pige 
99, we find the following: The following list of productions capable of being raised in 
Florida, has been made out with some pains, and it is believed all these stated are profit- 
able and practicable articles : 

Oranges, various kinds. Currants, Zantc, Pimento, 

Lemons, Pine Apple, Sago Palm, 

Lime, Fig, Red Pepper, 

Citron, Plantain, Saponica, 

Shaddock, Banana, Jesuits' Bark, 

Mango, Yam, Besine, 

Pawpaw, Bread F'ruit, Palma Christi, Castor Bean, 

Cocoa, Arrow Root, Tea, t 

Date, Gallnuts, Sugar, 

Sweet Almond. Doliahos, or Soy-lean, Tobacco, 

Bitter Almond, Jalap, Rice, 

Pistachio, Tree Rhubarb, Cotton, 

Acuagua, Ginger, Silk, 

Gum Gleni, Gum Guiacum, Cork Oak, 



Fustic. Brazillotte, Chestnut, 

Balsam, Senna, Sassafras, 

Kemp, Turkey M:ul(kr, Saraaparilla, 

Camphor. I5aha of (^ileail. True Opium Popjty, 

Franldnccnse, Cloves, Tumeric, 

Leeche Plant, of (Jliiua, Liquid Amber. Nutmegs. 

The Olive, Aloe, 

The Vine, all varieties. Cinnamon. 

Such a list seems wonderful enough as attributed to a territory no larger than that of 
Florida, bemg about the size of the State of Missouri, even upon a cursory examination, 
the list having been made more tlian 40 years since. But when practically we come to 
■PTaminethe .actual availability of these lands, and to ascertain the strength of the induce- 
ments offered to occupation, we iind many important productions omitted and no allusion 
made to many pursuits that can be engaged in successfully. To the list as quoted, sev- 
<>ral important additions are proper. Coffee may, with little doubt, be grown to great 
profit at least in all South Florida, and probably in a great portion of the State. Coffee 
trees are now in existence in the South, and practical coffee planters are confident of suc- 
i-ess wlienever the effort shall be made to cultivate tlais important staple. The experi- 
ment is now being thoroughly made, and thus a practical test will be applied ; and since 
th« revenue duties on the jiroduct will amply repay tiie expense of cultivation, the ques- 
tion is an important one. llye, Oats, Wheat, Sweet Potatoes, Irish Potatoes, Pindars or 
Peanuts, and Pecannuts can be added. Si.sal Hemp, common Hemp and Ramie can all be 
very profitably raised. Sorghum and the Silesian or Sugar Beet, both can be relied upon 
for certain and good crops. 

Lands, upon which such a varict\' of valuable productions can with ease and certainty 
be raised, must ere long be sought with avidity. And such prospect is still more reliable 
when consideration is given to tlie proliabilities that unquestionably exist for the success 
of several leading avocations and emj)]o}'ments. 

Such is the fortunate conjunctive effect of soil and climate, that countless herds of cat- 
tle may be raised and sustained absolutely without care, and at almost no expense, when 
allowed to run wild. And if tlie opinion of many intelligent dairymen, that even in the 
best grazing States cattle can be "kept up" and fed with green crops even through the 
summer, more profitably than they can be provided with pasturage, then surely there can 
be little question about the chances for cattle-raising upon these lands where either grow- 
ing grass or green crops (^an be made use of throughout the year. If so, then the raising 
of cattle, the disposition of the hides and tallow, the curing of beef, and the manufacture 
of leather must go to swell the actual inducements offered. 

The vast extent of excellent yellow jjine and pitch pine timber lands, accessible as they 
are, by railroad and navigation, present, in the growing scarcity of first-rate timber, ex- 
cellent chances for the manufacture f)f lumber and for speculation, the timber being of 
more value than enough to pay for the land ; leaving the land itself in improved condition 
for settlement as a margin for additional profits. The turpentine farms are, to a great ex- 
tent, operated by men from the Carolinas, who find here a better field for enterprise, and 
with the known ca))acity of this section for tlie cultivation of cordage plants, a fine field 
is open for the pro(hiction and manufacture of naval store,?. 

The Orange, the Lemon, the Bay, llio Mangrove, tl^ Box, .and the varieties of Palm, 
and the Magnolia, as well as the Cedar and Live Oak, show the worth of these lands for 
the production of rare ami valu.ablo woods. The inexhaustible supplies of Cypress, a 
wood standing next to Cedar foi- diU'ei-ent varieties of wooden-ware, procurable at only 
nominal prices, nmst soon stimulate to the establishment of a great variety of manufacto- 
ries. Add to all these the fact that witli very little care for forage or feed, or expensive 
buildings there is no civilized country where a man of small means can be more absolute- 
ly certain of a comfortable living for liiniself and family, and the list of inducements to 
the purch.ase of these lands is nearly full. 

It is hardly possi[)le for a man from tiie Northern or Western States or from Canada, to 
believe that it is practicable in any one locality, without the varied temperature that i.s 
given in the immediate vicinity of elevated mountains, to cultiv.ate successfully within 
the same enclosure, tlie oats, rye and wheat of Canada, the peach, quince and sweet pota- 
toes of the Middle States, the corn, cotton and tobacco of the Southern, the coffee, indi- 
go, ginger of the \\'est Indies, the orange, lime, lemon and citron of (.Central America, the 
olive and the gr.ape of the East, tlir' d.'ite and palm of the desert, the guava, the sugar 
can* and the tea of Southern Asia; yet the dweller in llernanda and Man?ltce actually 
does tliis very thing and can do so every d.a}- in (he year. 

WH.VT MAY r.E iioyiv: 0>< TlIK I..\Nt>s l>; yr.OTJlD.V. 

Skvaj!. — This is thr> best sugai' rfa;ion known. Sugar lani^ tbn' in tlio We^-t, Indies nve 



68 

raleil afc $2oO to ^500 \>cv awf. ciiii here be bought at $1 to .^IS. The etiaboii is lunger 
than in Louisiana. Cane fit for grinding grows on these lands I'rora 7 to 10 feet in length, 
while in Louisiana 5 feet is very good length. The planting of sugar is a little more ex- 
jjensive than that of corn, but where, as upon these lands, cano will rattoon 6 and 8 con- 
Hecutive yea^-s, the cost may be called the same. And Avith the same preparation, the 
8ame fertilization, and the same cultivation required for a crop of 45 bushels of corn to 
the acre in the Northern, Middle, orAVestern States, worth $60, at $1.33 per busliel, Florida 
lands will produce on an average 2,000 pounds of sugar, at 12 cents per pound, worth $240. 
Three thousand lbs. have often been raised. Three plantations in llernando county made, 
in one neighborhood, an average of 3,200 pounds, and as high as 4,000 pounds to the 
acre, has been made in Florida. Again, from 15,000 to 25,000 canes can be raised on an 
acre well manured and well cultivated, and these canes sold for seed from ] ^ to 2-^ cents, 
which at the average of number and price, give $338 to the acre. 

Oranges. — Oranges may be made to begin to bear fruit in 4 years from the sour stock 
and 7 years from the seed. The land occupied may be cultivated in various crops until 
the trees bear. 1 50 trees may be set on an acre. A bearing orange tree is worth from $50 
to $100. A bearing grove of five acres, on the St. Johns, is now held at thirty thousand 
dollars. Ten thousand dollars and upwards is the value of its actual crop. Hundreds of 
thousands of acres of these lands ai-e exactly adapted to oranges and all the citrus tribe, 
and the same figures will apply to the lemon and lime. Where and in what way, and by 
the use of what means, can a young man, in ten years, secure by the cultivation of ten 
acres, a more ample or certain competence V What better inheritance can a man leave 
for his children V 

Citron. — A thrifty and well cared for citron tree Avill produce 100 lbs. of fruit, and 200 
may be set on an acre. Five acres of these trees would produce 1,000 trees, annually 
yielding, at 60 lbs. to the tree, 50,000 lbs. of fruit. One acre of cane would furnish the 
syrup to preserve the fruit. When well cured, it may be boxed and held for transporta- 
tion and a market, and sold for 25 to 40 cents pei' pound. 

Tigs. — Figs are easily raised from cuttings and begin to bear in three years, producing 
one good, and one or two additional but inferioi* crops annually. Two hundred trees may 
be set at nominal cost on an acre. There is no reason why, where the cost of fuel is so 
insignificant, figs may not be well cured, if not by natural means, then in a few hours by 
artificial heat, in a dry house that any man can build with an axe. 

Castor Beans. — Throughout the whole extent of these lands, the Palma Christi or Cas- 
tor Bean can be made a more profitable crop and raised with less trouble than corn or 
wheat in the North and West. 

Ginger. — Jamaica Ginger grows vigorously in any part of the State, and might be cul- 
tivated to great profit with a little care. 

Bananas. — One thousand bananas may be set on an acre. Each plant fruits in the 
second year from setting, and sends up, while it is bearing fruit, three to six shoots, which 
themselves, transplanted, will fruit in the succeeding year. Each plant will bear one, 
sometimes two bunches of fruit, worth $1.50 to $3.00, and all with little attention, though 
it requires rich, moist land. All of these lands, fmm (Jainesville to the Gulf, will raise 
bananas. 

Arrow Root. — Dift'erent varieties of arrow-root can Ije successfully raised with Icse 
care than is required for Irish potatoes, and once planted are difficidt to eradicate. 

GrvVpes. — The tremeiidous growth of the wild grape in the woods, demonstrates con- 
clusively the special adaptation of these lands to the growth of the vine. The Scupper- 
nong seems to be the most common variety, and in Gadsden coimty, 1,000 gallons of 
wine from an acre is reported as a reliable yield. But other choice and many of the 
rarest imported vines do exceedingly woll. This section cannot fail to attract universal 
notice as a wine-growing region. 

Zante Currants. — These Currants can as well be raised here as anywhere in the Le- 
vant, and their cultivation and curing can easily, and with little labor, be made profitable. 

Pine Apples. — The whole of the southern portion of the State is capable of yielding an 
immense profit from the cultivation of the pine-apple. It thrives especially on the south- 
ern islands or keys. Upwards of $3,000 has been realized from a single acre on Key Largo. 

Oysters. — No larger or finer flavored oysters exist than those which abound on both 
the east and west coast of Florida. They are now found in incalculable numbers. The 
canning of oysters is a very profitable business, and may here be carried on to almost 
any extent. There is no danger of a failure in the supply, as they may be multiplied <ul 
InJinUnm by planting and cultivation as in the North, in France, and elsewhere. The cul- 
tivation of choice oysters, only recently established in France, is now a source of large 
revenue. 

Turtle and Sponge. — The taking of turtle and sponge along the coast f)f Florida lias 
long been found a profitable avocation, and the supply of sponge can also be increased by 
cultivation, ajidas localities where this can be done are rnre, this becomes an important 
consideration. 



6» 

Fish. — nft' till' (iulf coast ul Florkla ;ire luore tiiiiii two huiulrt'tl riiiU;? ot reels or bank: , 
upon whifh fisli, tiuperior to cod, ciiu be taken in countless niultitiultis, wliilc the biiys, in- 
lets and streams :is well as inland lakes are uU lionntifnlly supjjlied with the choicest fish. 
The fisheries of Florida can be made available during- the whole year, and on tliis account, 
;is well as the abundant supj>ly, are I'lilly wjual to those of Newfoundland. Hundreds of 
barrels have been taken on the Florida coast at a single haul of the seine. 

Pe,\ches.^ — When iieaehes Ix^gin to bloom in Delaware and New Jersey, they are one- 
half grown in Florida, and no better peach country can or need be found than along the 
Hue of tlie Florida Kailroad. At one yiiar's growtli from the pit, peaches often attain, 
oven in W. Florida, the height of ten feet. Care, selection and attention can place in the 
Northern market Die elioicest peaches from Waldo and Starke, several weeks before they 
can be raised North. There is no country where the marketing of peaches, whether fresh 
or dried, can be made more luci-ative, or where they can be more profitably canned. 

LuMifiER C.^p.^ciTV. — The reputation of the Yellow Fine of this State for flooring, strong 
timber and for naval purposes is such as to render any comments upon it unnecessary; 
and the growing scarcity ot rir.st-class pine lands, available for lumber, enhances the vahu^ 
of these lands. There are .several hundred thousand acres, along and in the vicinity oi 
the Florida Railroads, that are either now available by means of the road, or could be made 
so by the construetioTi of short branch roads, that are shown by the experience of our 
own lumbermen to be both practicable and profitable. And these lands, many of them, 
carefully selected by competent men, can now, for a short period, be proctired on exceed- 
ingly favorable terms. 

Although the cutting of timber and the manufacture of lumber liave long and profita- 
bly engaged the attention of enterpjrising men, and altho\igh the majority of the timbt^r 
within two miles of navigable water, and of other roads has been consumed, still the 
lumber capacity of the State has never been half appreciated, and much of the best tim- 
ber land of the State is included among the lands now offered.' 

Manltature of Woodkn Ware. — The simple fact that fi-om among the lands now offer- 
"ed, purchases may be so made as to give the manufacturer a half century's supply of 
stock for less than one per cent, of what a single year's supply now actually costs in the 
vicinity of some of the most flourishing manufactories of this kind to be found in the 
country, gives almost positive assurance that a wonderful development in this direction 
must ere long take place. Oak, ash and hickory abound, and of Cypress, which closely 
approximates cedar in value for tubs and pails, and forms first-class m.aterial for sash, 
doors and blinds, the supply is inexhaustible, while still, by careful selection, quantities 
of excellent Red Cedar and Live Oak may be secured. J'urely the attention of manufac- 
turers is not solicited without giorl reason. 

THE 1 ir; IN FLORIDA. 

The i-emarkable vigor and thrift attending the growth of the Fig in this State, and the 
many facilities afforded for an unlimited business growing out of its cultivation and pre- 
paration for market are so decided, that this fruit is worthy, like the Orange and Cane, 
of special attention here. 

A simple preparation of figs iiy boiling in syi'up will furnish a most palatable and 
wholesome preserve, that only needs to be known to iiecome a universal favorite; and if 
figs can be prepared for a lucrative market by drying, anywliere on earth, it can be done 
in Florida. 

For special and reliable information concerning the Fig 1 here insert au excellent article 
from the London Eiuyclopedia, simply reminding readers that it is written in and for tlic 
climate of England, and i^ of so much the more force as considered with reference to tlic 
climate of Florida. 

"Ficus, the fig-tree, a genus of tiie tFueciii order, and pulygami.'i class of ])lanls: luitural 
order fifty -third, scabridie. Tiie receptacle is common, turbinated, oarnous, and i-onuivant; 
enclosing the florets either in the same or in a distinct one: male, nil. trijjartite: cor. none: 
atam. three: female, cal. quinquepartite: for. none: pistil, one; and one seed. There arc 
fifty-six species, of wdiich the following are liie most reuiai-kable; 

F. ccriw, the common fig-tree, witii an Ufiright stem branching, lifiei'ii or twenty feet 
high, and garnished with large ])alniated or hand shaped leaves. (»f this there are many 
varieties; as. The common fig-tree, with large, oblong, dark ]iurplisli blue fruit, v.-hich 
ripens in Augu.st either on standards or walls, and of \vhi(;h it carries a great (juantity. 
The brown or chestnut fig; a large, globular, chestnut-colored fruit, having a |>urplish 
delicious j^ulp, ripening in the middle of .\ugust. The black. Isehia fig; a middle si/.ed. 
.shorti.sb, tlat-crowned, blackish fruit, having a l>rig)il- pulp; lipening in the middle of 
August. Tho green Isehia fig; a large, oldong, globnlar-liendcd, greenisii fruit, slightly 
stained by the jiulp to a reddish lirown color; rii)ens in lli'' 'H'l "f August. The bi-o-.\i. 



Isciiialig; ;i snjall, pyramidal, ))rownis)i-y(-'!low fruit, haviij^- a )mr{»lit;!) very I'icl) pulp; 
ripeaini::; iu August and September. The Malta %; a small, flat-topped, brown fruit, 
rlpeniiig- iu the middle of September. The round brown Naples lig; a globular, middle 
^ized, light brown fruit, and brownisli pulp ; ripe in tlie end of August. The long, brown 
Naples fig; a long, dark brown fruit, having a reddish pulp; ripe in September. The 
great blue fig; a large blue fruit, having a fine red pulp. The black Genoa fig; a large, 
]>ear-shaped, black-colored fruit, with a bright red pulp ; ripe in August. The carrica is 
frequently cultivated in this country, and is the only species which does not require to be 
kept under glass. It niay be propagated either by suckers arising from roots, by layers, 
or by cuttings. The suckers are to be taken off as low down as possible; trim off any 
ragged part at bottom, leaving the tops entire, especially if for standards; and plant them 
in nursery lines at two or three feet distance, or they may at once be planted where they 
are to remain; observing that if they are for walls or espaliers, they may be headed to 
six or eight inches in Marcli, the more effectually to force out lateral shoots near the bot- 
tom ; but, if intended for standards, they must not be topped, but trained with a stem, 
not less than fifteen or eighteen inches for dwarf standards, a yard for half standards, and 
four, five or six feet for full standards. Then they must be suffered to branch out to form 
a head; observing that whether against walls, espaliers, or standards, the hrauf-hcn or 
.■'hoots must never fie Hhortened unless to procure a necessary SMpply of wood: for the fruit is 
idways pjrodueed on the upper penis of the youn,g shoots ; and, if these are cut off, no fruit can 
be expected. The best season for ])ropagating these trees by laj^ers is in Autumn; but it 
may be also done any time from October to March or April. Choose the young pliable 
lower shoots from the fruitful branches; lay them in the usual way, covering the body of 
the layers three or four inclies deep in the ground, keeping the top entire, and as upright 
as possible ; and they will be rooted and fit to sepai-ate from the parent in Autumn ; when 
they may be planted either in the nursery or where they are to remain. The time for 
propagating by cuttings is cither at the fall of the leaf or in March: choose well ripened 
shoots of the preceding Sunm)er ; short, and of robust growth, from about twelve to fifteen 
inches long; having an inch or two of the two years' wood at their base, the tips left en- 
tire; and plant them si.x'or eight inches deep, in a bed or border of good earth, in rows 
two feet asunder. "When planted in Autunm, it will be eligible to protect their tops in 
lime of Iiard frost tlie fii'st winter, witli any kind of long loose litter." 

'tMJOPKlvVL FLOTMDA. 

ijv 1.. 1). .STirKNrcv, Koirr :\fYKi:s, fi.oimj)a. 

That portion of Florida south of 2Y deg. of latitude has generally been believed to be 
covered by swai'ips and everglades, and unfit for cultivation; but it has been found by 
actual reconntv' mce to contain large bodies of high land fit for agricultural purposes, 
and equal to -.ins, in the State for fertility. 

The climate of this region is more uniform than in any country in the same latitude not 
sinalarly situated in contiguity witli the Atlantic ocean and the Mexican gulf, being too 
remote from tlie north to admit the dominion of the cold winds to prevail long enough to 
produce any sensible effect, while its proximity to the tropics affords tlie mild and refresh- 
ing coolness of the trade winds. 

The soil is generally ligbt, and will not bear many exhausting crops, such, for example, 
as sugar, without nianurck; but in no country are tlie means of improving land more avail- 
able — lime, marl, argil, silica and hunms are abundant and accessible to all. By a skill- 
ful condiination of these, compost can be formed adapted to any land — suitable to make 
j)oor land rich and keep it so. The rivers abound in fish ; tlu^ li^goons bordering on the 
ocean supply turtle and oysters; the earth ])roduces the cooute and the cabbage tree, and 
the forests are alive \\ith wild deer and other game. Food is everywhere within reach, 
and can be prndnced witli th(> least possible exoj'tion. 

The writer about ten years ago purchased an extensive tract of land on the Caloosa- 
hatchcf,' river. on(! liundrcd n*id tv.'euty miles noi'th of Key West, and engaged iu the 
cultu.re of tro})ieal pl;uits. The point selected. Fort Myers, had, during the Indian wars, 
Ijecn oeetiined by tlr' United Slates troops as a military [)ost. The ofiicers stationed there 
caused aliont titty ai^-es lo l)e cleared, fenced, and ])lanted in a variety of tropical plants. 
The orange, leuioH and lime trees have come into bearing, producing abundantly. The 
Sicily lemon transjihmtcd there is much imju-oved from the original. In this locality the 
cocoa-nut, date, guava, pine-apple, banana, jdantain, sappatlillo, tamarind, alligator pear, 
sugar api)le, grape fruit, arrow-root, cas.sava, ginger, and coffee, are all growing, and 
might be successfully cultivated to supply \n t,he States of a colder latitude much of those 
])roducti(ms which are now impcu'tod from foreign countries, tlms ff)rming hi.ghly iin 



71 

Live-oak, yelluw pine, cabbago ti'ee, nnd inanfn;i'uve are tin; most iibiuulant forest tree 
though forineily a yood deal of fustio, iniihof|,'aii3-, li^-uium'ittv, and braziletto was to be 
met with; but these valuable jsperics of timbei" have been so iiuicii in demand foi* ship 
building and connnerce that treeri of any size are rare. The must formidable obstacle the 
farmer meets in jirepariui;; i^round for cultivation is the saw palmetto, [cJuuiuerojjs serrn- 
htta) willi plaited palmate fronds and sharply serrate stipes. Tlie roots cover the surface 
of the ground, and are removed by the slow process of the grubbing-hoe. Several spe- 
cies of this genus of jialms afforded the Florida tribes food, wine, sugar, fruit, cabbage, 
fans, darta, ropes, and cloth. Some have g(jod fruit, like plums ; others austere like d'ates. 
They are now chiefly used to make hats, fans, baskets, and mats, witii the leaves. 

The land bordering on the Caloosahatchee river and its tributaries is accessible by ves- 
sels drawiuCT' not more than si.v feet; contains enough live-oak to sui)ply the navy of the 
Uinted States for a quarter of a century. Other valuable tind)er for ship-building is found 
in the same locality. Such being llie natural udvanta<;-es which invito enterprise to this 
quarter, there can be no doubt that when its agricultural resources are more generally 
understood, southern Florida will be covered with a dense ])oimhition of thrifty farmers. 
Cuba, with almost a correspondin;^ climate, has several hundred ))lants which serve as a 
basis to her agriculture, such as grains, farinaceous roots, edible seeds, vegetables, salads, 
saucee, and fruits; the great staples of exjiortation — sugar, cofi'ec, and tobacco, plants for 
dyes, yielding oil, suitable for cordage or cdoth, yieldino- 2,-ums and resins, good for tan- 
ning; grasses; and woods employed in various uses. Xow, it is well known that most of 
the productions of Cuba are growing in south Florida, ami, Avith cultivation, might be 
made to rival those of that- celebratecl Island. Sea Island cotton of a fine cpiality has 
been produced in the very centre of the peninsula. Florida surpasses Cuba in variety 
and delicacy of vegetable culture. At all seasons of the year beets, onions, egg-plants, 
carrots, lettuce, celery, Ac, are produced with the luost indifierent culture, wliile every- 
thing that grows upon vines is in abundance and in great iierfection. Cabbages and Iri.sh 
potatoes, if planted in Octolier, produce well. The former have been grown at Fort My- 
ers, a single head weighing forty pounds. Cattle, hogs and jioidtry increase astonishingly. 
Until the rebellion of the slave States, south Florida supplied the Havana market with 
beef at the rate of one thousand head jier month; besides considerable quantities were 
shipped to the Bahamas, Key "West, and Tortugas. 

FLOllIDA FllUlTS. 

In view of the ])eculiar adaptation of Florida to the growth of tropical aud semi-trop- 
ical fruits, the following articles are extracted from the Reports of the Agricultural 
Department of 1861 and 18(57 : 

THE FRUJTS OF FLORIDA. 

HV GEO. W. .\TW00D, ST. AUGUSTIXK, FLOKIDA. 

In considering the subject of this comnnmication, the writer would ju'emise that com- 
paratively few among our own peoj)le are aware that within less tlian 00 hours' travel by 
railroad from New York citj', in our own country, t.Jiere exists a fairy-like land of fruits 
and flowers, not less beautiful, inviting, or attractive than that described by the dramatic 
poet in his picture portraying the romantic and blissfuU abode which the ardent lover 
had prepared for his mistress ujjon the sliores of the Lake of Como, whose balmy breezes 
and delightful atmosphere are ever redolent with the odorous perfumes of fragrant Hovv- 
ers, and ever-expanding blossoms of the orange, and where 

"■ the lemon, orange, and the lime, 
Amid their verdant umbrage countless jxlow 
With fragrant fruits of vegetable gold ;" 

and where .ill the semi-tropical fruits, as the orange, the leiiion, the lime, the citron, liie 
olive, the fig, the pine apple, the banana, the guava, and the ]ialm are produced in greater 
perfection of quality, llavor, size and form, than in tlie more tropical climate of the West 
Indies and Brazil, and with less care and attention, and with greater exemption from the 
vicissitudes of clinuite and the hazards of injury from the insect ti-ibe, than are the com- 
mon fruits of the noi\th, as the apple, the [tear, the peach, or tljje plum^ 

Nearly everj^ forest and woodland, south of 80 deg. noi-th latitude, abound with .'^rdvcp 
of the wild orange, some of which arc of enormous extent.* It is from these sources that 

*The writer of this vi.sited one of tliese groves in K;i-< l-'i-nidfi. ^^aid 1o he ten ii'ih's 
long', and varying from lialf a mile to a mile in widlli. 



tlie miiauruus groveN of sweet, oranges, limes, lemons, hikI citrons lue collected, by diggln'^ 
the wild trees of the Hour and bitter-sweet varieties in the forests and hammocks, and 
transplanting- them into groves, at uniform distancea, where the new shoots are permitted 
to grow, and are then budded with the sweet orange, lemon, <te, and thus are established 
groves of every variety intended for the supply of the market. 

Whether the orange was introduced into Florida by the early Spaniards, or some un- 
known previous race, is yet a mooted question, and would require more space than the 
limited character of this article would admit, to give the views of tlie writer, or the dif- 
ferent theories of others on the subject. 

The orange or Citrus family of fraits, comprising all the varieties of the orange, citron, 
lemon, lime, and shaddock, numbers more than 100 known varieties. 

Dr. Sickler, who spent six years in Italy, and paid great attention to the kinds and cul- 
ture of tlie C'i/rus family, ])ublished at Weimar, in 1815, a quarto volume, called Volkom- 
mene Orangerie Gartner, in which he describes 74 sorts. He arranges the whole into 
two classes, and these classes into divisions and subdivisions, without regard to their bo- 
tanical distinctions or species, as follows : 
Lemons — 

('edrats, or Citrons 4 sort?. 

Round lemons (i 

Pear-shaped lemons 11 " 

Cylindrical lemons 4 " 

Gourd-shaped lemons 2 " 

Wax lemons 5 " 

Lumies lemons 8 " 

Cedrat, lemons or citronats t> 

Limes 4 

Oranges — 

Bitter oranges '' 

Sour oranges G 

Sweet oranges 12 " 

Few other classes of fruits are more easily propagated than the citrus, and all of the 
species may be rapidly increased and produced either by seeds, cuttings, layers, grafting, 
or budding ; the lime being the most difficult, and the citron the most easy of propaga- 
tion. They differ from deciduous fruits in the respect that like always produces like, the 
seed of every variety invariably producing its kind. ( hittiugs of tlirifty wood, two years 
old, strike fibres as readily as younger wood, though the mode of propagating almost uni- 
versally adopted in Florida is by budding upon young stocks from the nursery, or from 
the larger stocks obtixined from the forests. The citrus family of fruits is supposed to 
have originated in the warmer parts of Asia, anil to have derived its name from the town 
of Citron, in Judea, though it has been cultivated from time immemorial in middle ant! 
southern Europe, and is now cultivated almost throughout the world, and in no higher 
degree of perfection than in East Florida, south of the 30th deg. of north latitude. 

The Orange, {Gifrux aurantinin.) — The cultivation of tlie orange in East Florida, pre- 
vious to 1885, had attained a degree of considerable commercial importance, and the ex- 
ports of this fruit from the small citv of St. Augustine are salt! to liavc amounted to 
-1100,000 annually. 

On the St. Johns river, and in some j)arts of West I'lorida, as at Tampa Bay, groves 
were being established as a source of commercial supjily ; the west coast is not considered 
as favorable for the cultivation of this fruit, on account of its rough winds, as is the east coast. 
In February, 1835, a very severe frost visited the State, antl most of the orange groves 
and other semi-tiopical fruits Avcre destroyed, or nearly so, leaving only the stumps and 
roots to spring again. Many of these sent up shoots, and began to encourage hopes of 
returning prosperity to this branch of industry. These hoj-tcs Avcrc not permitted to be 
realized, however, for, in 1842, an insect called the ornnr/e cocam, or scale insect, appeared 
in the orange groves, and spread with great rajiidity over the whole country, almost to- 
tally destroying every tree attacked. This terrible calamity continued for 10 or 12 years, 
and bid defiance to almost every effort made to staj" its blighting force. Many became 
discouraged in the contest and abandoueil further attempts to re-establish this heretofore 
agreeable an<l profitable branch of industry. In 1853, hf)wever, the insect began to de- 
crease in numbers and finally disappeared, since which time most of the groves now in 
the State must date tlieir birth ; although there are jirobably not now 50 bearing trees, 
where there were 1,000, (some of which were 100 years old,) prior to tlic great cold of 
1835, when the mercury fell below zero, yet a new interest is being revived in the culti- 
vation of this fruit, and new groves, probably not less Hum 50,000 trees, have been plant- 
ted in East Florida since the close of the rebellion.' 

*A more recent writer in Florida estimates that from '75,0()0 to l(jo,000 orange trees were 
transplanted and budded last year ; and at least 1 50,000 since the close of the rebpUiou.' — Ed. 



13 

Tlic oran[;-c tVoin llic seed iiroducos i'niit in iruui 1 to 10 year^i, dopoiidin^ upon aitua- 
tion, culture, ifec. Groves made from wild stocks, usually cut off at a height of three to 
four feet from the ground, and the new shoots budded, generally produce fruit in three 
years. The number of oranges produced from a single tree varies from 100 to 10,000 
according to the age, situation, mid treatment of the tree. The trees are usually set 20 
feet apart, and an acre will contain about 100 trees. Florida oranges were usually sold, 
previous to 1835, at $'7.50 to $10 per thousand. JTow a demand exists for twenty times 
our present supply, at $15 to $20 per thousand, as they hang upon the trees. Tlie present 
n\imber of bearing trees in East Florida probably does not exceed 10,000. 

Tin: Lemox is produced in East Florida to a degree of perfection far surpassing the 
same fruit grown in the West Indies, Sicily, Italy, or Spain, and persons familiar with 
this fruit in those countries are rather disposed to discredit the statement that the lemons 
of Florida are of tlie same variety of fruit. The writer has a Sicily lemon tree in his 
"•arden, which, last season, produced many lemons that weighed 2J pounds each; and it is 
not an unusual circumstance to pick from the same tree lemons weighing 1| to If pounds 
each. The lemon, lime, citron, and shaddock are all produced and propagated in Florida 
in the same manner as the orange, and of a quality superior to those of other countries. 

The Lime, {Citrus limetta.) — Tiiere are five of the acid varieties of this fruit named in 
English nursery catalogues. The juice of the lime is preferred to that of the lemon, as 
being more wholesome and agreeable. 

The Citrox, {Citrus medica.) — This fruit isjcomniercially known in the United States as a 
preserved confection, imported from the Mediterranean in oblong boxes, weighing 20 to 
25 pounds each, and used by families as an addition to fruit cakes, pies, &c. It is a native 
of the warm regions of Asia. Heretofore but little attention has been paid to the cultiva- 
tion of this fruit in Florida, except for variety and ornament, and it is not usual to ob- 
serve more than one or two trees in a lai-ge garden of several acres in extent, though it is 
grown here with tlie greatest ease and perfection, frequently producing fruit weighing 10 
pounds, and there is no doubt but that it may be cultivated, preserved, and introduced 
into our home markets as an article of commerce, with great profit to the producer. 
There is no other variety of this species so easilj' propagated, and none more hardy, or 
tliat yields its fruit so quickly, or produces more abundantly ; and the circumstance that 
both the fruit and the sugar for preserving it are produced in the same field, with equal 
facility, gives to the American cultivator n great advantage over the foreign producer in 
our market. The citron prepared and jireserved by private families in Florida for home 
use is of much finer quality, lighter colored, and more transparent than the imported. 

The writer supposes that tlie citron fruit may be profitably grown and sold here in its 
green state at four or five cents per pound. The price of sugar in Florida, before the 
war, ranged from four to six cents per pound, and at the same period the wliolesalc price 
of the imported citron in New York, from 15 to 20 cents per pound, and now in the same 
market the price is about 25 cents j)er pound. 

It will be apparent to most persons tiiat the cost of prdjjaring this fruit for market on 
a large scale need not be great, and that the combination of two ai'ticles, green citron and 
sugar, the cost of producing which does not exceed one-half their actual value, where the 
two are combined, must leave a large margin of profit to those who engage intelligently 
and with proper facilities in the business of cultivating and preparing this article for 
market. The writer has several citron trees in his garden which produced fruit in one 
year from the bud in the stock of the sour or wild orange. 

The Shaddock, {Citrus dn-uiaana.) — A native of India or China, is now cultivated in all 
warm climates, and is called Arancio Massino by the Italians, Granger Parapelmouse by 
the Frencli, and sometimes in this country Mock-orange, or Forbidden Fruit. It was 
brought from China to the West Indies by Captain Shaddock, from whom it derives its 
present name. There are at least six varieties, only one of which is useful or desirable 
as a fruit. Some of these attain a very large size, frequently weighing 10 to 14 pounds. 
It is chiefly used for ornament or show, and where several sorts of oranges are presented 
at dessert, it forms a striking addition to the varieties in the waj' of contrast. The most 
desirable variety of this fruit is sometimes called Grape Fruit. It possesses a reddish 
pulp, with most agreeable sub acid sweetness, and is excellent for cpienching thirst ; and 
from the thickness of its rind will keep longer than the fruit of any other of the citrus 
family. This variety is well worth cultivating for the excellence of its solid vinous pulp, 
which furnishes a substitute for other acid fruits in pies, tarts, jellies, &c. 

LoQUAT, {Eriohobiya Japonicu.) — This fruit is known in the South as the Japan plum. 
The tree is an evergreen, and grows 10 to 12 feet high, and is desirable in every southern 
garden on account of its hardiness, withstanding a greater degree of cold than any of the 
semi-tropical fruits. It ripens its fruit in February and March, when most other fruits 
are gone ; is a profuse bearer, and is readily propagated by seeds and cuttings. 

Vi-nv.-Xvv\.v., {Auaiiassa sativa.) — This fruit is grown in some of the gardens at St. Au- 
gustine, but iit a point so far nortli some slight winter ]irotection is necessary. At 



H 

Cfipc Cduavoral, loO miles soUlh of Su Augilstitie, it U bvotluceil ifl j^tcst 6sedJ&at8 ais(i 
iperiection, the pines frequently weighing 9 and 10 pounds each, This fniit ie &a«ilv pro- 
pagated fi'om suckers and crowns, tne former preferable, hoM'ever, the fruit maturing; in 
three to four months after planting the suckers. 

Papavv, {Carica papaya.) — The fruit of this tree is bometimes called the Bread-fi'uit, and 
is a native of South America. This remarkable tree, though not much cultivated at the 
present time in Florida, is worthy of great attention, not only for the excellence of it^ 
fruit, but also for its other extraordinai-y properties. The tree attains a growth of 20 feet 
in height, and j-ields a large supply of fruit in three years from the seed, and should bv 
in every garden in Florida, south "of 80 deg. north latitude. It thrives well and bear^ 
profusely at St. Augu.«tine. The fruit is pear-shaped, of a light yellow color, rar^'ing in 
size from three to five inches in length and from two to four inches in diameter, and is not 
unlike a very ripe muskmelon in taste and flavor, though sweeter. It may be pared and 
sliced and eaten raw as a dessert fruit, or cut into slices and soaked in water till the milkj 
juice is out, and then boiled and served as a sauce, or by the addition of lemon or lime 
juice, it supplies a most excellent substitute for apple sauce or tart fruit, to which it is 
scarcely inferior. The juice of the pulp also forms an excellent cosmetic for remoyinti,' 
freckles from the skin, and the leaves are frequently used, in the French West India is- 
lands, instead of soap for cleansing linen. Its remarkable medical properties, howevei-, 
are most important, as it is the most powerful vermifuge known, a single dose of the milky 
juice of the unripe fruit, or of the powdered seeds of the ripe fruit, being sufficient to curt- 
the worse cases, and extirpate every worm from the system of the patient. 

The most extraordinary property of tlie pawpaw tree, is that related by Dr. Browne, iti 
his Natural History of Jamaica, in which he says that the toughest meat or poultry ma_v 
be made perfectly tender for cooldng, by steeping for eiglit or ten minutes iu the milky 
juice of this tree. Dr. Holden, who witnessed its effects in the island of Barbadoes, says, 
in the third volume of the Wernerian Society's Memoirs, that the juice of this tree causes a 
separation of the muscular fibre in meats that have been immersed tlierein, and that tlie 
vapor of the tree serves the same purpose, it being a common custom with the inhabitant.- 
to suspend joints of moat, poultry, ifec, in tlie upper brandies of the trees to soften and 
prepare them for cooldng. Thompson, in his System of Chemistry, makes an extract 
from a French work on chemistry, entitled Annalea de Chimie, which states that "fibrine 
liad been previously supposed to belong exclusively to the animal kim.;nom, but thie tree 
had been found to contain this substance." 

The papaw tree is a perpetual bearer of fruits and flowers, <»!• blossoms, and yiddR enor- 
mous quantities of fruit, a single tree supplying enough for a large family. 

Custard Apple, {Anona retievlata..) — Sometimes called sugar apple. There are upwards 
of forty varieties of this fruit, and nearly all the si)ecies are edible. Almost every tropi- 
cal country lays claim to its own favorite variety. In Peru it is greatly esteemed, and 
considered not iuferior to any other fruit in the world. The species derives its English 
name, Custard Apple, from the consistence of the i)ulp of the fruit, and its rich color, fra- 
grant odor, and handsome appearance, are well characterized in the expression, "Apples 
of gold in pictures of silver." 

The Spanish-American Cherimoyer, (Aimm r/>ermw/m,) and the AVest India Soursop, 
(Anon amurlcn(a,)&vf eetsop. (Anonn sqvMmosa,) and Alligator A^\A&, {Anona jxilmtrix,) 
are of this genus. This delicious fruit is produced in excellent perfection as far nortk nr- 
St. Augustine, and is easily propagated from seed. 

Fig-Marigold, {Mcsembri/aii(hem.vm.)—Oi' this genius of fruit, tlicre are upwards of 840 
different species described by botanists, the larger ])ortion of which are natives of the 
Cape' of Good Hope. Probably not moiG tlian ten or twelve varieties are known and cul- 
tivated in Florida. 

The ease with which this excellent fruit is propagatot!, and its great productiveness, 
yielding two annual crops in southern Florida, and always bearing abundantly through- 
out the State, should be a sufficient inducement for the extension of this branch of horti- 
(•ulture for the supply of our home market at least. It is easily propagated from cuttings 
and seeds. 

GuAi.vvA, {Psidlumf/'/aiam.) — The name. Guaiava, is a corrnptleu of the Spanish word 
ffuai/nba. Of this friiit there are 1 7 different species. It is an evergreen tree or shrub, 
and indigenous to Brazil, Spanish America, and the "West In<lie.»i. It is propai^ated by 
cuttings and seed, and is sometimes liable to injury from severe frosts north of 28 deg. 
north latitude, but south of that line it is ever bearing, yielding its delicious, aromatic, 
and wholesome fruit all the yeai- roiiufi. Only three nr i'our varieties are known nnd cul- 
tivated in Florida. 

In the island of Cuba, and in Brazil, tlie varieties produced are more numerous, and 
large quantities of the fruit are made into jellies for exportation to all parts of the wftrld. 

Tlie fruit of the common Guaiava is pear-shaped, of the size of a large hen's egg, and 
sometimes larger, and has a smooth, pale yellow skin, inclosing a many-seeded pnip «f 



(■Itlicioiw aciciKj. lu some vaiieties the \m\\) is of a light cream, and in others a pal« 
r»d<lish foloi'. " This fruit is »Teatly esteemed wherever known, and being- slightlj astrin- 
ii,eut, as well as mucihi^inous, is very beneficial in bowel complaints. The roots and 
feaves are aUo astringciit, and are re-;arded as excellent for strengthening the stomach 
and bowels. The plant is propagated by needs, cnttiug-s and suckers. 

PoMKGRANAiE, {Pit /I iccc ffrmiatuin. )—This. delicious shrub, or bush-like tree, is a native of 
Persia and Syria, and s^rows wild in those countries. It is perfectly liardy in all parts of 
Florida, and as fur north as Hilton Head, South Carolina, and is widely cultivated and 
mncli esteemed in tliis State for the excelletioe of its fi'uit, a« well as for the medicinal 
l)ro2>erties of the rind and the flowers, which are not only an excellent febrifuge, but pow- 
erful astringents, aaid often used with groat benefit iu cases of diarrlia-a. Tlie pulp of the 
friiit is a delicious sub-acid substance, similar in taste and flavor to the retl currant, and 
is excellent for allaying Iieat and quenching thirst, and is gently laxitive. The fi'uit of 
the iX)megrauato is splierical, the size of an orange, with a gourd-like shell or rind, which 
is filled with s<?eds, enclosed in membranous cells and surrounded with a juicy, reddish 
pulp. There arc several varieties of this fruit, comprising early, medium, and late. The 
carlj- and the medium varieties have a pale yellow skin or rind, with a beautiful tinge of 
red upon the side or cheek, and are sparcely dotted with fine pippin-like spots. The lat- 
ter sorts have a dark russet-colored rind, and the seeds are of a pale pink color. This 
tree bears a beautifid urn-shaped scarlet flower ; and there is no tree more showy than 
the pomegranate when in flower. ' 

The fruit begins to ripen at St. Augustine, Florida, about the middle of July, and con- 
tinues until the middle of December. It bears transportation well on account of its hard 
rind, keeps for several weeks after it has been taken from the tree, and no doubt may be 
made a profitable mai-ket fruit, it is increased by cuttings, layers, and suckers, and 
thrifty wood two years old strikes fibres as readily as younger wood. 

Baxana, {Muxa pnradhiaca.) — Of the banana and plantain, (Mum mpienUim,) there arc 
several gpccien. 'lliey are increased by suckers, and require a rich, moist soil, with 
warm exposure. Some varieties of these plants are successfully cultivated as far north as 
Fernandina, in :J0 deg. 45 min north latitude. The best variety for cultivation north of 
28 deg. north latitude is the one known as Muxu paradisiaea cavendhJtii.. This is the most 
hardy, and seldom attains a height above eight feet, while the more tender kinds often 
grow twenty feet high. When the plant is fruiting, and all the flowers are set, it is ad- 
visable to cut off the spadix an inch or two above the last tier of pei'fectly formed fruit, 
in order to hasten and perfect the remaining fruit. 

There are few more excellent or delicious dessert fruits than the banana, and, as a food 
plant, its importance and value, as compared with other food plants, can hardly be over- 
estimated. In aii economical point of view it has never been appreciated in Florida, 
where but little attention has been ^ven to its eultiration. When it is realiiied that a 
plantation of bananas once established has never to be renewed, and that one acre of this 
fruit will produce as much food as ISO acres oi' wheat, or 45 acres of potatoes, its value 
and impoi-tance will be readil}' acknowledged. As this plant is a great feeder, and when 
once planted lasts for a lifetime, it is of the utmost importance that plantings should be 
made upon stTong, ricli soil, or that the plants be kept highly manured, to secure perma- 
nent supplies of the best fruit. 

In Brazil and other tropical countries, jilantatious are formed by setting the pliints 
twenty feet apart; but as the kinds usually planted in those countries are of a larger spe- 
cies than those recommended for ^'orthern Florida, plants of the Mumi jxiradliiaca caven- 
dijihii variety should be set ten fe«t apart each way, and in a good soil tliey will soon 
cover the ground, as they increase rapitlly under favorable circumstances. Each plant 
produces one, and only one, bunch of bananas, when it is cut down with a sharp spade or 
axe to give place to succeeding jilants. 

When the enormous yield of this fruit is cousidereil, and it is taken into account, that 
when once properly planted it needs no other attention than simply gatliering the fruit, 
and tliat at reasonable prices the demand be almost unlimited, it is evident that its culti- 
\ation could be made very profitable. 

r> ATE Palm, {Phornix dactylifera.) — This excellent and vuluaWi! IVuit is cultivated with 
entire success south of 28 deg. north latitude, and the tree often p-crfects its fruit as far 
north as JiO deg. north latitude. Numerous large and beautiful specimens of this tree may 
be seen iu the garrh-ns at St. Augustine. It is one of the most beautiful trees of the vege- 
table kingdom. Its long, graceful, evcr-vordant, ever-waving, ever-changing branches 
make it the most i)ictnresque of all others for landHca]K> gai-dening, and shov.ld adorn the 
grounds of v\{\v\ homestead in Florida. 

The fruit is greatly ami justly esteemed by the inhabitants of l^gypl, ^Vral/ia, anil !'< » 
ria, on account of its concentrated and nutritious properties; large numbers subsist ai 
most entirely upon it. It is generally the sole food of the Arabs and tlu-ir camels nu 
their long an'I ter]ious journeys over the desort, tha voyagers feeding upon tJiP iVuit and 



T6 

the animals upon the stones. The inhabitants of these countries also boast of the medi- 
cinal qualities of the date fi'uit, and of the numerous uses to which the diflferont produc- 
tions of this tree may be ajjplied. From the leaves they make couches, baskets, bags, 
mats and brushes ; from the branches or stalks, cages for their poultry and fences for their 
gardens ; from the fibres of the trunk, thread, ropes and rigging; from the sap, a spiritu- 
ous liquor, and the body of the trees furnish fuel. 

The date-palm is j)ropagated from the seeds and suckers, but more successfullj- from the 
former. The cultivation of this fruit should be greatly extended, as it may become an 
important and profitable resource of the inhabitants of Southern Florida. The bunches 
or clusters of this fruit often attain a weight of 15 pounds. 

Grapes, ( Vitis.) — The finer European varieties of this fruit, such as are cultivated un- 
der glass at the North, are all hardy and are grown more or less successfully in the open 
air in Florida, ripening at St. Augustine about the first of July. But the same diseases 
which have affected this valuable fruit in other countries, and in our own, have been more 
or less prevalent here. The northern or native varieties have not been suflRciently tested 
to form a correct estimate of their value, as compared with their European rivals, for cul- 
tivation in this climate. 

Several vineyards, consisting of northern A'ines, were established on the St. Johns river 
just previous to the breaking out of the rebellion, during which they were abandoned, 
and their cultivation has not since been properly or actively resumed. It is believed, 
however, bj' some who profess to know, that many of the northern varieties will succeed 
well in this climate, and that their introduction will prove an advantage. 

East Florida is generally flat, however, and the mean level of water in the ground only 
two to eight feet from the surface, according to the season, wet or dry ; and as the vine 
imperatively demands a uniformly dry, calcareous or rocky soil, and to insure the bfest 
condition for its successful propagation should never stand in water, it would seem that 
Florida is not the natui-al home of the grape, and that intelligent and experienced vine- 
growers would not select it for the purpose of establishing vineyards, with the expecta- 
tion of complete success. 

The Peach, (Amj/c/dahis Persica.) — This tree is long-lived, healthy, and vigorous 
througout Florida, and is never subject to injuries from the peach worm or the diseases 
which so universally afflict the fruit in the Nortliern States. The most delicious peaches 
may be raised almost without care by every family, and in abundance sufficient even for 
the economical feeding of swine. The early varieties of this fruit ripen in the beginning 
of June, and the latest sorts continue until late in August. The earliest and the latest 
varieties should be choosen for cultivation in Florida, as the rainy season commences in 
July and continues throughout that month, causing much of the maturing fruit to crack. 

The Nectarine, {Amyydalus Persica,) the Apricot, {Pnmus Armeniaca,) and the Al- 
mond, {Amygdalus comniums,) are all at home in Florida, and not less vigorous, healthy, 
ox productive than the peach; and all who will take the trouble to plant and care for the 
trees may be assured of an abundant reward. 

The Plu-V, {Primus dmne-stica,) and Prune, (Prunus domeMica,) are also healthy and pro- 
ductive, being entirely exempt from the ravages of the curculio so prevalent at the north. 
All the varieties of the wild plum are indigenous and abundant in nearly every part of 
the State. Many of the varieties are of excellent quality, and, when cooked, form a de- 
licious preserve for family use or for canning. 

Pears, {Pip-us commitiiis,) and Quinces, {Cydonia vulffiirh,) are worthy of more attention 
than they have heretofore received. It is believed that some varieties of the former will 
do well, but as yet their cultivation has not been sufficiently tested to fix their status 
among the fruits of Florida. 

Apples, {Pynis malm.) — The cultivation of tliis fruit here is of doubtfal utilitjr, though 
it is believed that some of the earlier varieties may be advantageously introduced. Tlie 
writer has a dozen young trees in his garden, planted two years since, which are growing 
thriftily and give excellent promise. 

The Olive, {Oka Europaa,) succeeds avcU in more northerly parts of Florida, and this 
year fine crops have been gathered at St. Augustine; but it is believed that the latitude 
of Fernandina is more favorable to their successful cultivation tiian the former point. 

The Madeira Nut, or European walnut, {.Taglans nyia,) and the Pecau nut, {Carya ollvi- 
formis,) succeed well and produce abundantly as far south as St. Augustine, and at Key 
West, the Cocoanut, (Cores «?/c//Vr«,) and Brazil nut, {BerthoUetia exceha,) attain their 
highest degree of perfection. 

Melon, {Ououmis.) — Floridians think, and often remark, that this "fruit is nowhere else 
produced in such high perfection as in Florida. The watermelon, {Cacutnis cifridfim,) ma- 
tures as early as May at St. Augustine, and might be made a jirofitable source of supply 
to northern markets from this place. 



11 

CULTURE OF THE OKA!sGE AND CITRON. 

!!V LAIRA I'. Ri;i)I>j;X, SOUUKNTO, ITALV. 

It lias beou remarks d by scientific observers who have given attentiun to the subject, 
that very nearly all, if not all, the. different climates which predominate in the various 
countries forming the continent of Enro{>e, with their different gradations of heat and 
cold, maybe found within the limits of the territory comprised by the United States. 

Experience has shown that those latitudfes in which tlie temperature is most free from 
the extremes of heat and cold, are the most favorable to the perfect growth, health and 
development both of the animal and the vegetable kingdom. The climate of some por- 
tions of southern Italy is especially noted as possessing this much-prized jjeculiarity ; and 
in such places vegetal)le life reaches a high degree of perfection, and has that peculiar 
gloss}', dark-green foliage which is never met with in the arid atmosphere of more torrid 
latitudes. The orange and citron jiarticularly display great profusion of growth. Among 
the many vast and undeveloped resources of the United States — which may be regarded 
as still in their minority when the question of utilizing their wonderful natural advan- 
tages is considered — is their capacity as a fruit-growing region, especially the adaptation 
of the southern portion of tiiem for the production of the more valuable fruits peculiar to 
warm climates, and still more particularly for the cultivation of orange and of citron 
l^lantations, there remains a wide and unopen field for agricultural enterprise and specu- 
lation. 

The languishing condition of certain agricultural interests in the Southern States — 
which will in all likelihood be years in recovering from the injuries received, and in 
adapting themselves successfully to the changed state of afi'airs — makes it necessary that 
new and unexplored veins in the undisturbed mines of our natural riches should be struck 
into and followed up to atone for the deficit made by the temporary stagnation of southern 
trade. I maintain that a great deal might be obtained from the orange and citron plan- 
tations of the South to go to the filling up of this vacuum, if the cultivation of these fruits 
were only followed up as a specialty, in the best manner, and in an emulative spirit. 

That this is not the case now, and never has been, is but too clearly proved by the fact 
that at the present time, witli such wide stretches of land covered by orange groves in 
our Southern States, we still continue to do a large business in importing oranges and 
citrons from foreign countries. 

The little plainof Sorrento, wliich is the orang'e garden of the Neapolitan provinces, 
exports annually large quantities of fruit to America. I propose to speak particularly of 
the method of cultivating these fruits employed in Sorrento as it came under my personal 
observation. 

To those sldlled in this special luMiuh of agriculture, my observations may be of but 
little value; but to those who may think of buying up some' of the deserted and ravaged 
lands now lying idle in the south for th.' purpose of speculation in orange plantations, a 
few practical observations on climate and mode of culture may be very useful as a guide. 
A peopla who have for generations lived and died planting, and rearing, and harvesting 
oranges and citrons, sliould from their experience have something to tell us worth learn- 
ing, especially when we, in comparison with them, are just beginning. 

The more common and vigorous species, both of the orange and citron, attain to so 
high a degree of excellence "in the plain of Sorrento, that a simplified description of its 
climate and situation will be found useful. A French scientific writer has called this re- 
gion not inaptly the Normandy of southern Italy, because Normandy is tlie province of 
France in whic^ii the climate is most bracing and temperate, and Ihc people most robust 
and vigorous. 

The plain of Sorrento, entirely and thickly covered witli tlie foliay,e ot ileuse orange 
groves, leaving but scanty space for the very narrow streets of its villages, is encircled 
,and shielded ou three sides by high hills, and open only to the sea on the north ; and the 
'winds which have the freest access to it are from the north and northwest. From the 
south, the southeast, southwest, and northeast winds it is in great measure exempt, and 
they never reach it until their violence is, in some moas;ire, broken. 

This fact, the stillness of its atmosphere, and its situalion — it being a ba.^in or valley 
with a high rim, formed by the crescent-shaped hills, and stretching down to the sea, to 
which, however, it does not slope, as a high line of cliffs rise abrupll}' from the beach, 
and the plantations run down to the edge of these precipices — preuisi)Oj*e its climate to 
humidity ; and it would, indeed, be very damp but for those north and northwest winds 
of which I have spoken, which blow with sufhcient frequency to keej) it cool, and main- 
tain the soil in that desirable state between complete humidity and too great dryness, 
which is the great ultimatum in the successful culture of acid fruits. Orange and citron 
trees need a soil inclining to humidity, a temperature not too high, (for that would be 
drying) but rather cool, and a? oven "as possible, ftud ]'rotcction fwm violent winds. Ir- 



78 

regularity of temperatwre, suiideu cbuuges tVoni heat to <oUi aud Hit ruYerst-, are tli« 
greatest enemies to their euccessfiU culture. 

Rain ialls in Sorrento with much greater frequency than is generally tupporfed, and 
during the dry qiell, want of rain is compensated by constant vapor rising from the sea. 
I state tliis to comiteract the erroneous impressinn that a very tropical climate is nece^i- 
sary for the cultivation of acid fruits. If by "\evy tropical" is meant a hurning and 
parching heat, the deKcrii)tiou Avill not apply to tliis part of southern Italy, along the sea- 
l)oard. The sea is eonstsintly sending, on the wings of the wind, mist and vapor to re- 
fresh the land. The stm drinks up daily nujiplies of moisture, but they are renewed 
nightlj'. Then, too, the greatest quantity of rain in the region about Sorrento falls dur- 
ing the last houi-s of the night and the iir.st of the morning. A great quantity fails, but 
the coimtrj', by its soil and situation, lias every facility for drainage, and most of it runs 
otf or sinks in at once, and the sun of early morning soon dries up the remainder. So 
that from one day to another you would think it did not rain, if you were not a careful 
observer, and you would wonder how the country could be kept so green and fresh, quite 
damp in shady places, and so free from dust. I state these facts because some researches 
into peculiarities of climat« are necessary to arrive at a knowledge of what situations and 
what conditions of atmosphere aj-e most favorable to this species of agriculture. 

The time chosen for the culture of the oi-ange and citron should be cluring rainy or damp 
weather, free from dry and frosty winds. Nothing is more unfavorable to them than cold, 
strong winds, or spells of freezing weather oi' frost. Let the time be selected for planting 
out the young trees be still and damp. They should be shielded against the possibility of 
being shaken by the winds, chilled by chaiiges of temperature, or put back by too great 
dryness. 

A very liglit soil is the best in which to plant, the young trce«. A clayey soil is preju- 
dicial. When the earth contains too many parts of clay, the peculiar species of soil 
which is found close around and madei' old and decayed buildings on their demolition, 
rich with rotten wood and other vegetable and animal matter, will he found highly bene- 
ficial as a mixture. Even iu heavy soil one mav succeed Avell, provided that the soil be 
very frequently moved, and kept constantly liglit. and soft about thf roots to facilitate 
their spreading and growth. 

The next question to be considered iu that of niauuring the tietv. Tliey lequire a great 
deal of manure, but it muet be administered with care ajid pimdeuce. Tlie best manure 
for them is that of horses and cattle, but it is never to be applied in the raw state. For 
it should be understood that these trees are always so dnlicate, especially when in their 
infancy, that a strong manure would injure, and, in many cases, destroy, tlieni, as it burns 
up the delicate fibres of their roots. The proper method of preparing a compost for 
these trees is to thi'ow the manure into pits prepared for the purpose, where it should be 
mixed with vegotablc mattei- of diffei'cnt kinds, putrid and decaying lea.ves and the like, 
and remain a If^'ijer or shorter time jji order to diminish iti strenglh- The prudent cul- 
tivator will usuiidy have manure in his pit«. In some it will be in process of pr*i>aratioii. 
and in others in readiness for application at all timcfi as it may be needed. 

The best time for appljnng this reduced manure is during the rainy season in the fall 
of the year, that the i-ains by dissolving it may carry the nutrition which it contains down 
to the roots of the trees. It is the custoni to'give 'a thorough and general manuring to 
the plantations only once in the year, and, i;s I liavc said, in the rainy season of autumn. 
But the same pi-udent miltivafor before alluded to will always have the proposed compost 
in readiness in the pits at all seasons of the year, the summer months excepted, to be dis- 
tribi;ted judiciously about those plants which, ))elng more delicate and less forward than 
others, require more care and nursing. After nnddng these statements I shall have no 
occasion to warn cultivators against the use of guano, and to prohibit its employment iu 
soil where the orange and i^itron are cultivated, us it is altogether too strong a manure, 
and would be j)eculiarly dangerous to young and deljcate tree^^. 

There are two rnethoils of propagating the orange and citron. Tlie first of these its 
lechnically called by the Italians "teste," that is, "from the head." This consists in 
planting out the young branches of the young orange or citron, care having been taken 
before severing tliem from tho tree to nnike tiiom. put forth their roots in u kind of vase of 
earth which is" bound around tlunn at the junction where they art; to Jjc separated. But 
this method is now almost abandoned, experience having proved tliat the trees thus pro- 
pagated are never .strong ajid long-lived like those produced from the seed of a tite whiclt 
lias not been proj)agated by a cutting. They do not so well resist changes of temperature, 
n<jr do they benr IVuit for so many years, n<jr in so great a quantity as the trees propa- 
gated IVoMi tlu.' seed. Tlie best mode of proijagating, therefore, is to take the young plant 
produced from the seed of a wild oi-ange ov citron tree. These little plants, of course, arc 
always springing up ovei' plantations, and must have their share of attention. 

It should be remembered, however, that an orange tree is always wild, and produces in 
Ue natuvfll istate only soni- fruit, uutil a scion of a cultivated tree, one bearing swefrt. fruit. 



tvh>«h Jwjmens lo tt trcu origiuaily nllil only nl'tcr ycJU's ot cuUhittioe, h&s been jjiaite^J 
upon !t. The young plantis produced from the seed of the wild or uncultivated tree, after 
uine or ton years have elapsed from the tiuio the seeds fifst pushing up shoots, must ha 
ii:rafted iu order to produce sweet fruit. This consists in uniting a young and tender 
branch of a cultivated tree, bearing sweet fruit, with the young wild tree in such a man- 
ner that the sap of the two will commingle and tlie wood grow together; the scion receiv- 
ing the sap of the wild tree will bear sweet fruit. The grafting must be done as expe- 
ilitiousl}' as possible, as it is necessary that the branch to be grafted upon the wild tree 
nhould be united with it while freshly cut, and before losing any of its vigor. 

Tlie process of grafting orange trees is a science by itself, of which it is necessary lo 
iiave u practical knowledge. In Sorrento even old and experienced cultivators do not at- 
tempt it themselves, but always have recourse to a class of men whoso avocation it is lo 
go from plantation to plantation to perform the process of grafting upon the trees ; and 
to do it successful!}' one must first learn it practically from an experienced grafter. 

1 should have stated before that the young plants during the first nine or ten years of 
their life should be kept Mell weeded, the earth around them soft, light and damp, and 
lightly manured. At the end of the fourth year tliey are separated by thinning out where 
I hey have naturally sprung up closely together, and transplanting the young trees about 
two feet apart, into earth which has been dug up and broken to the depth of two feet, 
and the same treatment as before is continued for them. After seven or eight years, 
counting always from the time of the coming up of the seed, a selection is made of the 
tinest and most robust plants, and they are transplanted to a separate site at the distance 
of about three feet three inches one from another, and the same cultivation is continued 
for two or three years, according to the backwardness or forwardness manifested, and 
then they are grafted according to the method which I have before described. After they 
are grafted they remain two years longer imdisturbed before !)eing transplanted to the 
site where they are to remain permanently. 

Three j'ears after this final transplantation they prothice, ordinarily, their first friul ; 
thus it will be seen that young nui-scry jdants produced from the seed sliould be grafted 
five years before the time at whi(^h they produce fruit. Calculating from these facts, a 
young tree produces fi-uit 14 or 15 years from the time that the seed sprouts up. A prom- 
ising young tree narc^fully cultiv.ited will produce during it« first year from 20 to 2."> 
oranges. 

It must be borne in nilnd tliat, in all the various operations just described, the earth 
nmst always be well spaded and hood previous to transplantation, and nnist be kept so to 
facilitate the spreading of the young and tender roots. The cjuality of the soil and the 
care wliich is bestowed upon the young plant will retard or abridge more or less the pe- 
riod at which the tree bears its first fruit. Of course this method of propagating from 
the seed can be rendered less tedious by transi)lanting young wild trees, which will be 
found ready to the hand in the various stages of growth, and grafting tlie sweet fruit- 
bearing tree upon them. 

When a considerable number of young trees arc to be planted permanently, or a planta- 
tion to be laid out, there are several mcthod.'5 of jjlanting. But no matter what the dis- 
tances may be which are fixed upon to be left between the plants, they should bo adhei'ed 
to with mathematical regularity. One methofl is to plant two orange trees and two citron 
trees at regular distances, forming a square, and in the centre of this square to place an 
olive tree or a nut tree, or any other iniit-bearin^- tree whose presence will not interfere 
with the cidture of tlie acid fruits. 

The Italians call this jdanting co/qnaiiro. In this case 1(5 feet and .1 inches are left be- 
tween the trees. But if it is not desired to plant a tree in the centre of the square, about 
13 feet distant from tree to tree will !>« (.iiflicicnt. Tht' following diagrams may give « 
flight idea of these two methods : 

I 16ffc. 'a'in. ; \- IGft. Gin. | | 13^,' | l-f'. | 



P d 



\^ 



+ 



f lOft. n in. f 16 ft.. 3 in. \ 

The l,«at method is to leave the centre vacant .«o as not to crowd the trees when full 
^rown; but if preferred for the purpose of Pronmnimui; «pa.'e. it i* best 1i» plant a filth 



so 

Ii'ee in the centre ul' the »qiuii'e ; in iu'eference let it bo an oraMi;u tree ur cilrun tree, as It 
is not best to mix othei" trees with those bearing acid fruits. 

When tlie young tree has borne fruit for six years it is considered full grown. The 
Sorrentines have a sort of basket which is used as a measure for the fru:t. This is called 
the colletta, which will hold about luO oranges or citrons. This is used in gathering the 
fruit. When the fruit of one tree tills the basket that tree is considered full grown. 
From that time the yield continually increases until the tree gives ten baskets full ; that 
is to say, 1,000 oranges, when it is considered at the height of its fruit-bearing capacity. 
This usually occurs about the twenty-fifth year of its age, counting always from the seecl. 

The trees, however, do not bear uniformly the same quantity of fruit every year. For 
this reason the harvest is considered complete only every two years ; and note should be 
taken of those years when the tree is resting, especially the year after a very full harvest, 
when the tree will 3'ield but little fruit comparatively. An orange tree in its natural or 
wild state, before being subjected to cultivation and grafting, is called in Italian "cedran- 
golo." I will make use of the word hereafter in speaking of such trees, as we have no 
word in the English language which will so conveniently designate the species meant. 

An orange tree which is the product of the seed of the cedrangolo, and which has been 
grafted, is very long-lived, and has the advantage in this respect over every other species, 
being stronger, more vigorous and better able to resist all accidents of temperature. One 
may calculate on 60 or 70 j-ears as the limit of its fruit-bearing capacity, in proportion 
to the vigor and natural superiority of the plant, always bearing in mind the possibility 
of some unusual cold or freezing spell which may impair the vitality of the tree. These 
possibilities excepted, the preceding figures give the correct limit of the period during 
whicli the tree bears fruit. 

An orange tree, therefore, under the best method of cultivation and favorable circum- 
stances, will tlourish for 75 or 85 years from the time of the planting of the seed ; after 
that it may be considered as a cumberer of the ground. But its usefulness even then is 
not at au end. The wood of the orange tree is much prized by the workers in inlaid 
woods in Sorrento for its beauty, duraoility, and peculiar fragrance, and always brings a 
fair price. The most beautiful articles are made from it. Its hardness renders it suscep- 
tible of high polish and elaborate carving. 

The tree which is produced by the operation called "teste," before referred to, is much 
.shorter-lived, being much less hardy. After 80 years, it begins to grow old, and is con- 
sidered as having passed its prime, while on the contrary the tree produced from the seed 
of the cedrangolo resists more successfully all the variations of temperature, and even 
great negligence in its culture. 

Orange and citron plantations must be thoroughly dug over twice a j'ear. The best 
times for this ojieration are just before the conmici\cement of the rainy seasons in the 
spring and the fall. A kind of circular ditch, or pit, is left at the foot of the tree, in which 
the manure is deposited, and which serves for receiving the rain and facilitating its pas- 
sage to the roots of the tree, while at the same time it carries along with it the nutriment 
contained in the layer of manure through which it percolates to reach the roots. These 
holes around the trees are called, in the Sorrento idiom, "scalzatine," and it is both useful 
aud important to make them about the trees frequently at other seasons of the year, es- 
pecially when, after a long drought, rain is expected. In regard to jirunning, it should 
be known that trees bearing acid fruits, especially the orange and citron, cannot be pruned 
like otlier fruit-bearing trees. Those branches alone which are sterile and give no promise 
of fruit, after a fair trial, should be lopped off. This is done to concentrate and increase 
the vigor of the tree, but requires much prudence and discrimation. 

The orange tree bears fruit only once a year. It flowers in tlie inonth of May. Six 
months are required to ripen the fruit, at the very least; but to mature it thoroughly be- 
fore gathering, the fruit hangs on the boughs until December. In climates where the tem- 
perature of late autumn and early winter nights may be severe enough to injure the fruit, 
it can be gathered in September, as it will ripen after gathering. This is the rule in Sor- 
rento, where a considerable trade is carried on in exporting oranges and citrons in sailing 
vessels to America. 

The fruit is gathered in September, while yet green, and being wrapjied separately in 
very light paper, is carefully packed in wooden cases and shipped upon a voyage which 
lasts several weeks ; and on reaching their destination they are found fresh, sweet and 
quite ripe. This does them no harm, but, in fact, im})roves their flavor, as an orange 
plucked before quite ripe and kcjit for some time is superior to one just from the tree. 
The latter has a crude and acid taste, which is lost by keeping. The distinguished quali- 
ty of the oranges of Sorrento is that, from the jiecnliarity of the soil, they contain more 
spirit and flavor and a stronger essence than those of Spain, Sicily, Calabria, or even of 
the neighboring })rovinces of Salerno; this peculiar quality renders them more suitable 
for packing for long voyages. A fruit which is perfect in taste when taken from the 
bough, is almost sure to have lost its flavor and to become insi[)id after having been 
kept for a lime Viut the orann-es of Sorrento are the revei'se of this. 



si 

. iiiy one. snacit's o*" cirnHi^o h I'scogtikcd ns being' cultivated in Son'flnto. Thare ia the 
biooil oran^ej m it in calied, which. oU beln^ cnt open, is found pMfoctly aanguino iuhuc ; 
bttt thia is not considcfed «9 a different apecicH, iind is identical in taste vritli the ordinn- 
■TV omv^e of Son-eiito, which attains a great size, and gro\v3_ t^iriftilv. The skin ia very 
thick on being first gatliered, but becomes thinner with keeping. 

'rhe Mandarin, that little beauty, v.ith its delicate and fragrant rind and delicious tla- 

' vov, does not succeed well in Italj-, nor anywhere outside of Sicily, and is only cultivated 

.' iis a fancy fruit in Sorrento bj- some growers who can afford tlie time and care necessary. 

;is thetrcH which produces it "is most 'delicate and sensitive, and a peculiar soil is needed 

to bring the fruit tp perfection. 

!n the island of Ischia, thel^raudarin has been lijund to succeed better than anywhere " 
else in the Italian provinces. In otlier places its flavor is degenerated. The difference 
ia the lineness of texture of the rind, and in the size and flavor, is so great as to render 
it difficult to believe tliat they belong to tlie sa)ne species. 

Neither the climate nor the" soil of Sorrento is favorable to tlie Mandarin, which re- 
quires a particular sort or culture, and, wherever a plantation of Mandarins is iouud tliere, 
it, is necessary to cover the trees with ntets in the winter time and otherwise protect them 
from the cold. They also require a very light manure, different from that used for the 
conunon trees, which must be frequently and carefully employed, 

• There is one interesting operation in connection with the cultivation of the orange tree, 
which I have now a good opport'Anity of mentioning. Tliis is the grafting of the citron 
iipon the orrfhge, or rather the coinbination of the two fruits upon one tree. This ia not 
profitable in a practical point of view, and is solely a matter of fancy for tiie sake of the 
novelty of having two kinds of fruit upon one tree. I was Siorely perplexed/ when I lir^-t 
saw orangey andciti'ons botli growing tJiickly upon one tree. It is identical with tlie 
' operation" called "teste," before mentioned ; a young braucli of the' citron tree is coupled 
with th^young branch of an orange tree, both fresbly cut and united in such a manner 
th<rt the sap of the two will commingle. All that has been said in regard to the culti^'.'r- 
tion of the orange tree applies strictly to the cultivation of the citron. 

Tliere is this difference between the two fruits — the tree Avliich produces the orange is 
' more delicate than that which produces the citron. Eut the fruit of the citron tree is 
more delicate than that of the orange tree. Take for illustration an orange tree and a 
citron tree, laden with fruit during the winter time. At tha very slightest frost the frnii. 
of the citron will suffer, and lose its juice, but the trai which bears it, will more successful- 
ly resist the cold, while on the contrary, the cold v/ill not much injure the orapgo fruit, 
' •' will prove dangerous to the tree. 

> underst.md whjf the fruit of the citron is found hanging on the boughu at the con;.- 
L ncenient of cold weather, thus running so many riska, it is necessary to know that the 
citron bears fruit twice in the year, and for this reason its cultivation is often preferred 
to tbftt of the orange. It flofvers Avith tlie orange tree in Maj', and again, but not so 
plentifally, in the autumn. The fruit can bo plucked antl used at any time after it lias 
attained a reasonable size, although it may be still green. As a convenience it is gatiier- 
' ::t the same time with the orange yield in .September, for e:cjtortatlou. Another but 
:';er crop is gathered in the early winter. 

here are three varieties of the citron cultivated iii Sorrento. One of thebo is called in 

.;an "Lnstrato," and is preferred to the others; tlicn, tliere is the ordinary or common 

::ty ; and a tliird. whicii is xevy small and always green, and of a very peculiar and 

, rent flavor, quite different from the others. Tiie culture of this last variety is on the 

rease in Italy, .'tnd in a short time will most certainly be altdgother abandoned. The 

L'lstrato is of & larger size than the ordinary citron. Indeed, it is frequently enormouf-, 

and, on this accomit, as well as for its handsome rind, and its property of preserving its 

'^' vor for a greater length of time, it is preferred for exportation to America and other 

;int countries. It is from trees that produce the Luscrato that are obtained those enor- 

.s citrons, as large as a small melons, which are gathered in Italy at Easter, and as 

eats fseeiii to have the sanio significance as Easter-eggs, a, custom anciently in use 

ng us. Comparatively few of these arc produced. They are obtained by gathering, 

': ie yet green, all the citrons from a tree, with the exception of a few, whicli are left to 

: g, and which, by absorbing all tlie fruit-producing nutriment of the «tree, obtain an 

i;mou8 growth, and are so heavy that they must be propped up to prevent them from 

■.king the boughs to which they are attaciied. 

. he ordinary citron is cultivated for consumption in Naples, and for exportation to 

:\ince and other adjacent countries. For this purpose it is gathered and shipped during 

'.:>-■ summer time, and during the hot weather tlio demand for it is so great that from $12 

15 per thousand are often given. It is not so suitable for long voyages as the Lustrato. 

:'lie different varieties are produced by grafting and the operation called "teste." But 

1 i'ac tree.i will not again bear fruit for two years after the operation ia performed. The 

' grafting can be performed on the young trees, which are .still tender, and any variety of 



cilruii may bo thuiipruiliircii. Thiri lus'u uiutiiud i-i lo \)v iii'rI'L'i'ri.'(l a^: Ikmul;- iuoil' cxpoili 
tious. Gi-ent quantities of IViiit iire shipped yoai-ly to America IVom JSorreiito by estab" 
lished houses which maku this exportation a specialty, but so far, it lias been impossible 
to obtain any definite i-eport as to the precise A'alue of these ex'ports. 

Orange-flower water is not nianufnctured here, the plantations not being- extensive 
enough to make this speeiesof industry profitable. It is, therefore, monopolized bv Cala- 
bria and Cieily. But of late years a c.onsideraljle manufacture of the essence, which is 
extracted from the leaves of the "cedi'angolo," has been coiumiMieed and the trade carried 
on in Sorrento. This is a medical preparation, iiud has all the soothing qualities of an 
opiate without any of the subsequent eflects, and is most agreeable to smell and taste. 

From the rind of the cedraugolo is also uiade a kind of marmeladc or confiture, which 
is largely in ilemand and sells at a very higli ju'ice. lieing in great repute as a stomachic 
and promoter of promjit digestion. 

Bees sliotdd always be kc|)t wliert* Uicn- ai-e ni-aiig'; plaiitatiuii,-. If maintained on a 
large .scale great profits may be obtained, as Ihc very i)est honey is made fi'om the flowers 
of the citron and the orange, which are the same in shape, size, color, and odor. All the 
lioney made in Sorrento smells and tastes of the ravishing perfume of tlie orauge-flowei's, 
and it has become classical as t hi' best tjial is jir'nluccil. ana!o£;-iius (o the honey t>f llv- 
rnettus. 

And now to make a summary of wl)at has been said, we have seen that there is no pari 
of the orange tree or the citron tree which does not yield its share of profits. The fruit, 
the flower. (lie leaf, and finally the w(jod <if the worn-out tree itself are all items of ])rofit 
to the planter, and. in connection with their culture, can la; carried on another industry 
equally as profitable, which requires but a small outlay, and is dependent only on the 
maintenan(.'e of the bees and the blooming of the (U'ange flowers. The outlay, the time, 
and the labor involved in the cultivation of acid I'ruils are very much less, (-onq>aratively. 
than that involveil by other branches of agriculture peculiar to warm climates, it is not 
to the point to say that we have already in the s<jut.hern Slates vast grovrs ui' these frvnts 
which grow and rijien with little or no culture. The point i< to bring tlie culture of them 
to perfection, U) make ita specialty, and thu;^,jn some measure make U[> for the temporary 
loss of some imjiortant staples for which iv peculiar kind of lalior seems lo be re(iuired, 
and laborers also of jieculiar (jualilications ; while for the cullm'eof orange i)lantations ni> 
skilletl hands arc required, except for the operation of grafting, and fewer laborers needed. 

The improvement and cultivation of our colmlry to the utmost, of its great agricultural 
(•apabilities will i'orm one of it.^ most powerful biihvark^ ao-nijist national ]><>verty and 
abject dep(>ndence u}>on foreign nationi. 

COUNTY TOWNS AND COUNTY UFFICEK'S. 

For the convenience of those who may desire^iarticular information, and that more in 
detail, from any particular section of the State, I here subjoin a list of the county -towns 
in the varions counties. Stranger's, tiesiring special information of any county, by ad- 
dressing comumnications to the County Judge, Sherifi", Clerk or Post-Master of the county- 
to\yns, will receive courteous, reliable and more or less comjilete replies to such particular 
questions as they may propound, for all our people are nf <>iir miud in desiring tu eneour- 
flge an intelligent inmiigration to the Stale. 

coUNTtKS. COrNTr-TnW>''"v C'-H-NTH--' I "I Vi V-ri'VV\,--. 

Alachua Gainesville. Baker . . S;iU(lcr-on. 

Bradford, Lake Butler. Brevard, 

Calhoun, Abe's Spring-. ^^■^'^y> Green Cuvc Springs. 

("olumbia, Lake CitA'. Dade, Miami. 

Duval Jacksonville. Escambia, I'ensacola, 

Franklin Apalachicola. Gadsden, Quincy. 

Hamilton Jasper. Hernando,. Brooksvillc. 

Hillsboro', Tampa. Jbjlmes, O-rro (Jordu. 

Jackson, Marianna. Jefferson, ^lonticello. 

LaFa'yette, Mcintosh, Leon, TallahassiT. 

Levy, Levyvillc. Liberty, Bristol. 

Madison Madison. Manatee, Pine-Level. 

Marion, Ocala. Monroe, Key AVcst. 

Nassau Fcrnandina. 'Jrange, Orlando. 

Polk, Pease Creek. Putnam, .Palatka. 

Santa Rosa, . -.Milton. St. Johns St. Auguslinc. 

Sumter, Leesburgh. Suwannee Houston. 

Taylor Perrj'. Volusia, Enterprise. 

Wakulla, Crawibrdville. Walton, Ucheeana. 

W'ashington, Vernon. 



AX KSTLMA'l'K VF 'I'HE \ AUK OF FLOKIDA LANDS. 

Ill 1857 tliiTi' ;i[iiKai-fil :i tln'ii pi't'^iMii pi'OrSpect i.»t' llin iiuuiedirtte comijletiou of u vM- 
'.-oad oxtendiiiu- tVinu tln' Apallifliicola vivev to Pt'iisaeola, Vfaohiui;- l.")-! miles along thu 
line of tho .laoksouvillc. I'l'iisucola. and llolnlii . Railroad, beinp; ra])idly cxteuded 
beyonil <iuiiit v, and under conlract. v, f.*l.\\ aid undcf eiri-unistancos warrantinL;- ii reason- 
able ferlaiiil\- of its coiniiletion to Mobile now within a \ery short, time. At tliat time 
Mr. Jiultili, a i-ailroad i'nj;iiieer with :i national reputation lor competency and aceu- 
raev, made a \ crv laluirious and (aroful exannuatiou ul' the route, and an extended ami 
valuable rejiorl, iuxludin;;' an e-iiiiiMli- o( llie lusl i,\' innsii'ucliou, tlic probable busines.N. 
and the re-iourees of I lie rnaii. 

If eoiistnu'ted at tlial, tiinc. lli.' road wuiild lin\i- lufii enlitled to some iiOtt.OOO aercB of 
I . S. hind, and l(K>."i>i' aerc^ nf swamp and mcillowed lands from the State; and in mak- 
ing- Ids <'silmalc of liie resource.-* of the road, he of course inchules an e.ttimato of the 
amount of lumber wldeh would depend npou tiie road for transpoi'tation, as bein^' easily 
accessible lliercfrom, ami the \aluc of lumber, timber and hind of tlu! ('lOO.Ouii acres which 
it was sujiposed would bi'couie the property of the road. I'.xtracts from this lleport of 
Mr. Judiili are \alualile because they furnish data for a present reasonable estiniate of the 
value of Florida hinds L;enera!ly, allhoii!;-h the I'eport. contemplates lands which, beyond 
.laclcsou eoimly, Inn e \\ il lioul sullieient rea.'ioii, lon^' and a ery fj^enei-jdlv been considered 
e.s of less value than the a\erai;e of land in the State. 

1 ii'ive tlu^ cxtracl.-. in full iliai ih(^ liases of the eii^^ineer's esiimales may appear and 
prove i)V disprovi- llu^ conclusions reached, and thus the value of the lands in the estiina- 
lioii <){ ol' a careful, competent and practical business man may fully ap^iear; for it is of 
special iinperf;iuee lo f'joriila lh.it the \-alue of her land:' to tlu' iimilieiianu, the railroad 
.'iiiil 111!' I'ai-iiicr : leiul.l be luiiri; wiilelv" l:no\vn. 



■' TAT.UT3 OF THE I.AXiDS. 

i'ii.' \aUii ■>! ile-»' l,i;ul- i.in ^ilh dili'u ully be <-oi leil.l \ e.^li^tlatctl. Their value i.s 
\\\o I'oid. They |>OB.-ess at I he pre.senl time an intrinsic, \alue whii-h is estimated at §1.25 
I'er acre. l!ut the construction oi a railroad lhrou;;h thcui immediately confers an addi- 
tional value wlneh is dillieull lo determine, il bein^- depenrlent on — 

y-M-.v/. the s.diii'of ihe ualiir.d pioehelion imw i;-r<i\\ iul; upon theni;(\i/:: yellow jiiufe 
liuubei- and turpeinine) wiili llie r.ieililics for t;eltiii;.;; thrm to market. 

Secoiidl'j, upon till ir fertility or e.ipiiliiliiy of raising- the natural aurieiiHural jnoduc- 
tioiLs of the country .-iftcr the. liriibi.i- rhall h.-ixe been taken nfi. 

77uV(%, uiion the induceniPufg oflevpil to .»c(ller> and the amount of-c tt-lcim-nl that can 
bff broili;-ht on lo them." 

'I iiesc ipleUion, are lll■iell^ an.-\veri«d by .ilrtline:-- • 

First, 'Y\w lumber on Ihc.-.e lands lit for cult iii^:; iido saW-Jo;.'> i.s .suflieient t(j furnish 
alone a prolilable. busincs.^ to the road, which will require live daily lumber triiiu.s to carry 
lo inarket tjie inci-e.-ise, or to transjiort it as fast as it !;-rows, i;ivinj;- a perjietual supply. 

iSixumU;), II can be shown !hal tho fertility of the soil is not surpassed by that oi' the 
best western lamls, and yield, with an equal amount of labor .Miid care, as much, if not 
more, jirolil. as i-aii he made per aer.', on the best western lauds. 

Thinllii, The liihihcr biisiues.i will induce that kind of immli^-ralion most, needed to de- 
velop the fertility of the soil, and the iiosition of the line upon the nearest and best lyi^'h- 
way from ^ew York to New Orleans, renders it ea.sy of access, wdiile tho market for the 
staple productions of tho soil is inexhaustible, and not. subject to the fluctuations to wldeh 
the -iTaiu market is liable, and the healthfuhijss (jf Jhis section of the country is uuex- 
,celled, and the climate unsurpassed. 

'•One gTC'it advan1ay;c which the.se lands po.ssess over western l;uids, lies iu their ability 
to produce si\: ^reat stajile produclious, the most valuable known, and (»f which the supply 
can not cmjuuI the demand; while the western lands produce hut two ercat staples, viz., 
wheat ami corn. Tin; construetion of the road also eive.v the advanta^c^ of a niaiket on 
both tho Atlantic and tho Gulf of Mexico. 

"The.se staples ai-e, yellow pi.ie lumber, turpeiitiue, cotton, tobacco, su;j;ar aud rice; in 
addition to which may be enumerated amono- other productions, liay, corn, oats, potatoes. 
oranL:;es, bananas, lig-s, "peaches, quimre.s, and nuiny other tropical fruits whieli can be 
■' ".vu no wliore else iu the United States as v.'cll ns liprc. 
riif fil'.st production of thcso. lands is ' 



I 



,84 

LUMBKli. 

JTearly the entire body of these lands is covered with h, donee afrowth of yellow jjiu( 
lumber of a quiility unsnrpnpsed by that of any other Wtate in the Ujiion. Tlio principal 
hnnber trade of Florida is carried on from Santa Kosa county, nearly the entire popuhition 
of whicii is eng'an-ed in and dependent upon tliis trade for their support-. Son^i? of tlie 
larp;est and iineist lumber mills anywhere to bo found in the United States are in opera- 
tion in this county, the principal amonfj- which are located upon the Blackwater River, in 
the vicinity of the town of I^lilton, which is situated near the month of the Blackwater 
and at the head of the naA'igable waters of Pensacola Bay. 

"The amount of lumber annually shipped from this district is about 50,000,'000 feet per 
year, yielding upward of $500,000 to the manufacturers and costiiig the mill-owneri?, de- 
livered in the log, upwards of -^tOO.OOO. The logs to suj^ply their lumber are principally 
cut upon the margins of the Blackwater and Yellowwater rivers and their tributaries. 
Tlie cutters seldom go further than 1-} miles back from the margins of the rivers. Tlid 
timber on the margin of the rivers is smaller and not of so good a quality as that grow- 
ing further back from the rivers. , 

"These logs contain an average of about 200 feet when cut into lumber, the minirauiri 
limit of si^e is that the logs be large enough to square ouc foot. It is estimated that the 
logs at a distance of six to ten miles from the river v.'ill yield about 1!50 B. l\l. feet of a 
better quality than now furnished. 

"Trees will furnish from two to three logs per tree, but for purposes of this cstinriate, 
they are considered to yield two logs per tree. The mills generally buy their logs by 
^contract, paying $4 per M feet for them delivered. Those mills cutting their own logs 
From lands owned by themselves find that it costs them about the same price. 

"The best of the timber lying near the margin of the rivers is becoming exhausted, ;io 
that the cutters are obliged to go further back, and consequently to haid the logs further', 
in consequence of -which they are preparing to demand §5 per M feet, and the mills vvil 
'soon be obliged to pay the increased price. 

" The Black and Yellowwater rivers run uorth-westwardly through ^>anta Ilosa county 
averaging about 12 miles apart. The timber on the margins has been principall3- cut fui^ 
about l-l miles back. The timber lying between is untouched, is larger and of a quality 
superior to that growing upon the streams. It is proposed to locate the line of this road 
nbout midway between these two rivers running north-westwardly through the county. 
The nature of the country will admit of this. The lands belonging to the company will 
therefore comprise a portion of the best timber lands iii the county. 

'• It is proposed to furnish this 50,000,000 feet of lumber in the log to these milis by 
railroad. It is believed that the logs cut from this section will yield 230 feet each. To 
supply the aiijount ^^dll therefore reqiiire 200,000 logs cut from 100,000 t?ee.-:, or about Cy. ■ 
logs daily. Allowing each log to contain 300' feet B. M. before beicg sawed, <and it giv.-s 
tlie araoiiat of 195,000 feet B. 31. as the dailj- quantity to bs hauled. 

"The y%-eight of tlie lumber manufactured 'is about 2 tons per M feet, but it is here esti- 
mated, in order to be safe, at 3 tons per M feet in the log. This will give the quar.titj- < •,' 
585 tons to be hauled by railroad. Allowing each cai- to be loaded with 10 tons thou C" 
car loads per day would snpply the mills. Two daily lumber trains of 30 ears each wcr.M 
then, supply the demand. 

"The grades through Santa Eosa county will be light and descendir.g towards tiu' 
market. ' ' 

" Wo will assume that 20 miles of road arc first built, the average hai-d upon which %vi'i" 
V,e tea miles. -Thepriees at present paid for cutting are 10 cents per log. The haul or 
this timber to the railroad would for the first year or two be comparatively little, as the logs 
v,'oald be cut from the immediate vicinity of the road. It is estimated that for the n:-l 
live years the cost would not average to exceed 2.5 cents per log or ^1 per M'feet. 

"thus, then, wc find the cost of i M, Bt M., of lumber as follows: 

Cutting 4 logs at 10 cents, Ci0.40 

Hauling " to railroad at 25 cents l.OO 

Loading the same on cars, 5 cents, -•'•' 

Or, cost of logs loaded on cars, per il feet , _.^ .^l.(')0 

Assuming railroad charges for hauling to be 4 cents i)er ton per mile, 
the average distance of hauling to be 10 miles, and the cost of railroad 

charges is '. • -.51 •-^' 

i^iakiug the total cost of lumber delivered in log fi2.80 per M feet. 

"Thus it is found that after making a liberal allowance to the railroad for their charges.^ 
there results a net profit to the company of $1.20 per M feet. At the present prices of 
logs, Viz. $4, this on 50,000,000 feet •per year amoimts to' §60,000, Avhich v.-Ul pay the in- 



85 

t'.^rest oil the S;20U,000 of bonds {uUhorized to be issued by tho c^sipauy at 1 }*er cent.' 
unci accumulate a fund sufficient. t.o retire thoin iii livo yenri<:_ kavino- th* vj'uole of the 
curnings (aiYer dodiictiny- iiecessary oxpenses) t(^ be applied to diyicyndiS. ,, ,'..■,■ 

"It'fs believed that permanent conlracts fan bo inade with tJie. milis-ft-'r ^jUipjpiying-.tipeir 
logs at §5 jjcr il feet, ivhich would g'iv.! an additioual pvoiit oij ^lip.OCO. }•)«£• .year.. I'Kii*' 
;,^reatest average hard by railroad will not exceed '20 miie;!, *ul tlie grea'e.Vc cxfrema haul 
40 miles; showing tho ,■•:•■■■■ i ,•...'.'•■;;- < ;..:i.. , . . ; .. .-■■. .•-! . ;,,.• .-.j;:,.<.- i^ivM),^.:-. 



"There are four points c.n the line of the ro.^d fron) which :v: :>-'*'c^v"f''i V--v"- ■■• -'n ■ i- 
shipped, >vi>:: 

let. JTmciion.of U;e Alaban;a and Floj-ida Jl.''.ii:'o;;'l ; 

'Jd. The Blackwater lliver, 15 miles further; ' 

?,i\. I'he Chattahoochee River, 80 miles further : 

4th. The Apalachicola River, 5f) miles further. 
"Thus it v.'ill be seen that the longest division of couiiLry to be liaule.l nvf,- 
'.lilton and the Chattahoochef? River, a di:5ta:ice of 8-<) mile-. Assuming ■l^ 
hauled cacli way on tliis division, and tlic extreme lengtlv (;!' eaeli >ub-d:vis;.;.i 
itdles, tho aver-^ge haul iiyo!i v.'hic'i would be :20 nnlf-. 

rt^IViS ^VliKKT^ SAVV-li.j|.i,<i CA^S liK JiSXAKLI-': ^ • .. , 

"TO :-7AYI(iABLK WAT" 

"There are several point*! 'wllfire th-c railroad will er.js^' .:;-e;:. !;:.•; ;m,l riv^r."; u'otjiav'ig'ajj'e 
for sailing vessels, but available for rafting down log.<, «0!;;e of which reach into Ala- 
bama and .Georgia, and upon v.hich grow large qr.antitiiis of • pine timUcr, winch will 
furnjsh a supply for railroad transportation entirely independent of that esLiuiated .a.s be- 
longing to the raih'oad compaii\\ These points are the Sho.al River, with its branches; 
the branches of the Choctawhatchee, Hahnes' Creek, tlie Chijiolii and its branches, and the 
branches of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers; with sevetiiil miuor streams and creeks. 

"Thise points are available locations for saw-mills, depending upon their supyjly u"! 
only on the railroad lauds but also upon the lands lyi'^;' : ■ r; t'l ■ '■ ■ ■■ "■'■ 

r.^i!road. in Alabama and Geor::i:i. 



"Alio via:; io tree.^ per acre fit. for cut)t.ing into Siiw-lijgs, averaging 2(W feet ]». M. 
per tree, and the quajjtity amounts to 6,0i.i0 millions of feet of lumber, which is worth 
inanufacti\red, at only %V1, .$T2,0000,000. At onlv live trees per acre, the quantity i.-; 
1,250,000,000 feet of "lumber worth manufactured .til 8,000,000. Allow is worth ^JtJ.50 per 
Zd feet standing and it w-ill pay the whole cost of the road. Cut but one tree per acre per 
year and it affords an annual yield of 300,000,000 feet, or about 1,000,000 feet j-^er day, to 
transport which would tax the road to its nthiost capacity, •gi^•ing al 'ons pei; 

day, or nearly 1,000,000 tons per year. 

" It is also the fact that timber makes anew again iu from '20 ' ' :.-.t after 

g,'/,ng over a body of timber cutting off that large enough for su". ,^;mailer " 

timber, this smaller timber will l!a\-" ^';".)\vii r-;!-.i'"'i('nti »■ 'n ;'' i -.o yield 

anotljer supply equal to the fir.'^f. 



Exists nowhere in greater abundance or of better (jualiij' tiian r-.: 
all the land lying on the streams having been exhausted, of thi 
along the railroad will be brought into immediate reqi.'.' 
Heavy European contracts have boon lilled from thi? h ' 
obtained to any extent that cau be lilled. Good t:- 
Reliable parties wiio liave traversed these land.s Ini.- 
wh.cre 12 spars could be cut fi'om an acre. Tiiese sp; 
main so until the construction of the road, when :1 
activity, and CA^ery acre of land that ha< :i spar on it ■ 
per acre. 

"Allowing that ono spar can be cut from each five ac ■ . 25,000 spar.:;, 

v,'iiich at only AUX) each are worth ^^13,0n0,000 at tide-watv, . . unlikely that the 



IhihI nuij yield jiii itverage of oui; :-(>ai* yev .icre, wliicli would give us thv %alue of spar- 
tiint)«r alone, standing, of |62,500.000. The spars of Florida are well known in Europe, 
luul are believed to be equal to anj^ in the Ihiitcd States. 

"The value of such a domain as this can scarcel}' be ostiniatetl, and if a thorough exam- 
ination confirinis a present reasonable lielicf, the value of the lumber alone oh these lands 
will exceed the total «o-<';rey;ale co^t tif the Illinois Central Railroad." 

Whether all of Mr. Judah's eoni-luriionts aie correct, or not, it is utost evitlent IVoui the 
Report, that the completion of the great work of internal improvement now in contein- 
jilation will develop soiu-ees of immense wealtli in regious comparatively Avorthless front 
inaccessibility, Hud ,i>i\e a jiowerful impulse to all liio business of the Htivte. 

Such ai"e some of the nninifold and powerful irnhicements offered by Florida to those 
who are seekinji' a new home in a kindly and genial clinnde. 

Thousands i)f men and women are thoroug-lily tired of the continuetl conllict wilU frosty 
and inclement weather, and are looking southward for the " better place" which they 
hope to find, but are deterred by ajiprehensions of unwlujlesoineness or fears of impleas- 
ant collision. Thousands more, botli in this counliy and in Kurojie, would gladly fake 
nny anticipated risk did tliey know of tiie actual attractions of this State. 

Tlie object of this publication is to spread abroad tlie largest amount of reliable inform v- 
u)ation upon subjects of most interest and importance to intelligent inquirers who are or 
who may become particularly interested as contemplating settlement here. 

The very object of the organization of the Bureau is to lend all practicable aid to iliose 
desiring new homes in this State, but from tlie want of sufficient means for jnorc direct 
and efficient aid our labors were mainly confined to the dissemination of correct and trust- 
worthy information from reliable sources. 

This I have endeavored to do as efficiently as the means given will allow, and ii<nv close 
kiy saying- that all further infornnition of more special or local character, will be cheerfully 
to all desiriug it and addressins,- me. paving postage. "• 

J, S. ADAMS, 
f 'omm'r of Lands and Immigration, 

.Tacksouvillc i'la. 



Office of Commissioner of Lands and Immigration, 
thfcki^onvf'lU, Florida^ Deceml)er, 1871. 

This ])ook will In- forwarded to all who forward po^^tage 
with their a])plieations. 

xVdditional iiifoniiation, l)y statements of crops, statistics 
and sketches, is solicited from every citizen interested in the 
groAvth of the State. 

Specimens of vegetables, fruits, cane and other produc- 
tions, and of native woods are desired. 

Address specimens and communications to 

Commissioner of Lands ani> Immigration, 

Jacksonville, Fla. 



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